RGENT Redditch Entaco head into Saturday’s Worcestershire League Division One home fixture against Pershore brimming full of confidence following an impressive 53-run victory at in-form Bewdley.
After an impressive recovery mission with the bat, the Kingfishers then turned on the style with the ball as Waqas Ali – on the back of his seven-wicket return against Burghill & Tillington – bagged 5-27 to send the hosts tumbling to defeat.
Batting first, Redditch were soon in trouble as they lost four quick wickets as the home side dominated proceedings.
However, the Kingfishers bounced back thanks to 51 from former captain Perry Derrick, a hard-hitting 46 from Greg Chinn and 36 from Jack Roberson to finish on 187 all out from 47.4 overs.
Jack Mills was the pick of the Bewdley bowling in taking 4-52 and Joe Lucas claimed 3-42.
Despite their recovery, Redditch were still up against it on a good pitch, but accurate bowling from the visitors kept Bewdley in check throughout.
Ali made the breakthrough with the score on 32 when he trapped opener Nick Wilkinson lbw for 8 and wickets then tumbled as Australian Joe Scarcella (1-37), Chinn (1-21) and Derrick (3-27) gave vital support to Ali, who once again destroyed the oppsition in taking 5-27 as Bewdley collapsed to 134 all out.
The 24-point victory moved Redditch moved up to sixth. At the summit Droitwich marched on with a 50-run victory over Burghill & Tillington.
It was business as usual for Geoff Eley’s side as the 2nds crushed visitors Bewdley by 172 runs in Division One 2nd XI.
Rizwan Choudry led the way with 140 as Redditch piled up 288-9 off their 50 overs and Tom Phelan found some form with the bat as he chipped in with 38.
In reply Bewdley never recovered from early losses and succumbed to just 116 all out in the 33rd over to give Redditch 24 points.
On Saturday third placed Redditch travel to Evesham.
An entertaining day at Entaco saw Tenbury Wells sneak home by two wickets against Redditch 3rds in Division Five.
Redditch scored 148-9 off 50 overs as Abdul Jabbar led from the front with 92 not out, but only skipper Matt Mansfield with 17 added valuable support as Tenbury’s Mark Yarranton did the damage with 5-31 including a hat-trick.
In reply Tenbury struggled and lost wickets as Bruce Joseph took 4-28 off 17 overs, but Kier Sellars with 53 remained defiant and steered second placed Tenbury home with four overs to spare.
On Saturday fifth placed Redditch 3rds make the short trip to Hanbury for an exciting derby clash against leaders Astwood Bank.
The 4ths had a torrid day at Tenbury Wells in Division Five 2nd XI as they went down by 207 runs.
Leaders Tenbury scored 276-4 off 45 overs, with Nev Mason taking 2-15, but in reply wickets tumbled and the Kingfishers were rolled for just 69.
Saturday’s visitors to the Entaco are Astwood Bank.
