TOM UNDERHILL’S magnificent unbeaten 147 off just 99 balls helped Astwood Bank to a thrilling eight-run victory over Streetly in Birmingham League Division Two on Saturday.
After the opening day washout, this was a superb match at Sambourne Lane in which Underhill was the star as he smashed 21 fours and five sixes to help the hosts to 375-4 off 50 overs. Sam Thomas struck 68 off 67 balls.
All of the visiting batsmen made runs with Imran Qadir (90) and Neil Curtis (73) leading the way but it was not enough as Bank got over the line, keeping the visitors to 367-5.
A trip to Sutton Coldfield awaits Steve Adshead’s side on Saturday.
Elsewhere, George Haslam took 5-17 off his nine overs for the 3rd XI in their victory over Tenbury and Ed Johnson claimed his first five-wicket haul for the Bank as he finished with figures of 5-17 off seven overs for the 4th XI as they beat Himbleton.
On Sunday, Bank progressed into the second round of the National Village Cup without a ball being bowled as scheduled opponents Exhall & Wixford forfeited the fixture. A second round match at Dumbleton awaits on Sunday.
Bank women players Clare Boycott and Jess Humby featured for Worcestershire in Sunday’s victory over Shropshire in which Boycott produced best ever figures of 6-16.
