ANDY FENNELL took 7-34 to inspire Worcestershire League Division Six leaders Cookhill to a five-wicket victory over Saturday’s visitors Stone.
Depleted Cookhill made an early breakthrough when Liam Donohoe (3-24) bowled Stone skipper Peter Harler with a beauty before the Fennell super show began.
Fennell first had James Batsford caught by Chris Pearsall, then very next ball had Kevin Taylor trapped LBW and was unlucky not to claim a hat-trick.
Fennell’s inswinging yorkers proved unplayable as he bowled three more Stone players and then, thanks to very sharp keeping from Stuart Griffiths, he also had two batsmen stumped.
Fennell’s 7-34 off nine overs were career-best figures as Stone were dismissed for 161 off 45 overs.
In reply Cookhill lost Matthew Palmer and Pearsall cheaply as they were reduced to 34-2 but, just as they had done in the previous match, Griffiths (35) and Kenny Hirst (58) steadied the ship.
When Hirst departed leg before Cookhill were just 27 runs short of victory and debutant Chris Thomas (18no) saw them home in the 40th over.
Cookhill, who have a seven-point lead over second placed Cutnall Green, visit Hagley on Saturday.
