REDDITCH Entaco enjoyed a hugely profitable Saturday as a four-wicket victory at fellow promotion hopefuls Cookley moved the Kingfishers to within two points of leaders Worcester.
Whilst Worcester’s trip to Feckenham ended in an abandonment, Russell Southwick’s Redditch held their nerve to reach a revised target of 155 off 40 overs and cement second place in Worcestershire League Division One.
The Kingfishers have now won nine league games this season and will feel they have a huge chance of winning the title and promotion heading into Saturday’s visit of Droitwich, who are rock-bottom without a victory to their name.
Southwick, whose side will be unchanged against Droitwich, won the toss and put Cookley in but a fine opening partnership between Al Roden and Jaimen Rudd gave the home side a good platform.
Roden made an impressive 62 but the bowlers stuck to their task and Cookley were bowled out for 177 in 46.2 overs.
Set a revised total of 155 in 40 overs, Redditch got off to a blistering start thanks to 31 from Greg Chinn off just 14 balls.
Tom Field (25) and Southwick (42) continued the good work and, despite a wobble, a fine 24 not out from Yassar Altaf saw Redditch home inside 26 overs.
Elsewhere, the 2nds, 3rds and 4ths all saw their matches abandoned despite starting.
The title-chasing 2nds were on 105-4 against visitors Evesham in Division One 2nd XI when rain ruined the day.
The 3rds made 181-7 at Pershore thanks to a hard-hitting 69 from Adam Gailey and in reply Pershore were 69-2 after 11 overs, whilst the 4ths’ home fixture managed 30 overs against Pershore, who were 168-4.
On Saturday the 2nds visit Harborne and the 3rds and 4ths face Romsley & Hunnington at home and away respectively.
