‘WHY does it always rain on Saturdays’, has become the frustrated cry of Bromsgrove first and fourth XI players as their away matches were called off at the weekend.
But the determined efforts of the ground staff at St Godwald’s Park ensured that both the second and third XI matches were played, and their efforts were rewarded by a win for the seconds and a battling losing draw for the thirds.
In a match restricted to 29 overs a side by the conditions, Ryan Pedley ( 3-11 ) helped contain Stourbridge to 97 and then Duncan Roke ( 54 ) led the way in knocking off the runs in 17 overs to ensure that the 2nd’s keeps up its promotion challenge.
The thirds were set a stiff task of chasing 294-2 by a strong Kidderminster side, but held on for a losing draw thank to the sterling efforts of young Charlie Cordes ( 59 ) and Paul Hutchins ( 52 n.o )
On Sunday, both the first and second XI teams won.
For the first XI Lewis Cordes scored 127 and Tom Green 97 in a total of 282-4 against Droitwich, which responded with 222-9, and there were two more century makers for the second XI, with Paul Hutchins again in the runs with 107 and Matt Russell 117, leaving Himley chasing a total of 288 to win.
Young Dafydd Rees took three wickets on his debut to ensure that it closed on 178-5.
This forthcoming weekend see the first and fourth XIs at home against Barnards Green and Cleobury Mortimer respectively and on Sunday the first XI entertains local rivals Feckenham.
At the home matches there will be refereshments including homemade tea and cakes.
