HIMBLETON’S hopes of clinching a place in Division Two of the Worcestershire County League are in the balance after being thumped by fellow high-fliers Chaddesley Corbett.
The Meadow Boys had the chance to secure promotion with a game to spare when they made the trip to Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday.
But those celebrations were put on hold as they were dismissed for 105 before their oppponents eased to their victory target.
This loss means the Meadow Boys must defeat leaders Alvechurch and Hopwood in the final round to be certain of promotion.
Asked to bat on a hard yet grassy wicket, Himbleton struggled to cope with the opening attack of Saddiq (6-47) and Ahmad (4-38).
The bowler friendly conditions meant the visitors collapsed to 21-4 before Sean Jenkins (48) and Jamie Alford started a rescue mission which was cut short with Alford’s dismissal.
Jenkins continued to battle on gamely and with the help of a few lusty blows from Stuart Bailey and Anthony Kent managed to get the Meadow Boys to 105.
This was never destined to be enough and once opener Iqbal (54) had bullied his way to a half century the game was over. Himbleton did collect three wickets, with Jenkins claiming two of them, and a potentially crucial bonus point as they look to finish their season in style with a win.
