HIMBLETON produced their most disciplined performance of the season as they comprehensively beat Worcestershire County League Division Three promotion hopefuls Old Vigornians by 130 runs at the Meadow Ground.
Vigornians won the toss and elected to field but the Meadow Boys’ opening batsmen showed the form which drove Himbleton close to promotion last season as they put on 80 for the first wicket.
Jon Critchlow scored an impressive 122 in Himbleton’s total of 389-4 while Stu Dickenson (33), Ali Pretty (44) and Sean Jenkins (32 no) also scored fluently to put a stop-start season for the Meadow Boys behind them.
Jamie Alford made good use of the excellent batting conditions to add a quick-fire 78 from just 36 balls which included six sixes.
An excess of extras, including 60 wides, pushed Himbleton to their highest score of the year, giving the league-chasing visitors a mountain to climb.
In reply, Old Vigornians were unable to get off to the good start they needed as Mike Rogers’ energy and bounce was too much for their top order as he skittled out Rob Lanchbury-Thomas (1) and Chris Drew (2).
Paul Guy (3-22) continued with his excellent form as he picked up a steady supply of wickets and with Critchlow (3-57) also getting his share of the wickets, the result was all but confirmed with Vigornians on 110-6 from 16 overs.
The Meadow Boys continued to press after dismissing Osman Fiaz (55) but Vigornians added a further 148 runs to steady the ship.
After Andrew Bell fell three short of his half century and George Painter and Thomas Weston went for ducks, Vigornians were left in serious trouble with two wickets to spare.
James Bader (34) and Charles Lamb (38) pushed the score along to 259 before the latter was run out after failing to ground his bat to give Himbleton a much-deserved victory.
The Meadow Boys travel to Rushwick on Saturday full of confidence with Sammy Jenkins replacing Anthony Kent.
