A SUPERB 82 from Stu Dickenson put an end to Himbleton’s four-game losing streak in Division Three of the Worcestershire County League after claiming a five-wicket victory over Ross-on-Wye.
With Sean Jenkins captaining the Meadow Boys, the third change of skipper in four weeks, it took some time before Himbleton made an impression as Ross-on-Wye started well with Ben Lander (44) and Jack Evans (21) taking a liking to the medium pace of Jenkins and Jamie Alford.
The extra pace of George Clifton was the influencing factor of the day as he bounced out Lander to remove the key wicket with the score on 70.
A further seven wickets fell for only 14 runs as Jon Critchlow and the returning Ronnie Guy showed their importance to the side. The variations of Guy saw him pick up excellent figures of three for 11 runs from his ten over spell while Critchlow claimed four wickets for 23 runs.
Himbleton’s spin attack were superbly backed up in the field with excellent catches from Dickenson.
Tim Dulson showed some grit towards the end of Ross-on-Wye’s innings as he hit an unbeaten 50 which included five fours and two big sixes off the bowling of Alford.
Ross-on-Wye finished on 176–9 from their 50 overs after a disciplined effort from the Worcestershire side.
In reply Critchlow got his side off to the worst possible start as he was trapped LBW for the first ball of the innings.
Ali Pretty’s disastrous season continued as he was bowled for only four runs followed soon by Alford (5) whose terrible day was compelled with a failure with the bat to leave Himbleton on 40–3.
Dickenson showed some quality and patience in his innings of 82 which included 17 boundaries and came off only 71 balls.
Jem Rose ably supported Dickenson in a mature innings of 41 not out as they put on 115 for the fourth wicket.
Dickenson was eventually caught with the score on 158 and when Rick Pretty fell in the same over for four, the fragile bottom order was exposed once more but Rose guided the Meadow Boys to victory.
A win which moved Himbleton up to eighth in the table.
Himbleton entertain Old Vigornians on Saturday at the Meadow Ground.
