HIMBLETON failed in their attempt for a second successive promotion after suffering double disappointment on the final day of the Worcestershire County League season.
Alastair Pretty hit a half century and the returning Mike Rogers claimed three wickets as Himbleton tried to secure their place in Division Two season.
But their hopes were dashed by eventual league winners Alvechurch & Hopwood who claimed a four-wicket win at Harrow Lane thanks to some resilient batting by their middle order.
And it proved to be a chance missed by Himbleton as second placed Chaddesley were thumped by Old Vigornians, meaning anything other than the defeat would have seen Jon Critchlow’s side progress from Division Three.
After losing a match-defining toss, Himbleton were asked to bat first on a troublesome wicket that was heavily affected by the overnight rain.
Despite the conditions and without the influential Critchlow, who scored 960 runs in only 13 innings , Himbleton batted well and posted a battling 226 all out.
Pretty produced a patient performance at the crease as he top scored with 52, while James Alford contributed with 37 as the home side looked to bounce back following their disappointing defeat to Chaddesley seven days earlier.
In reply, Alvechurch overcame a difficult start as Rogers took a wicket with the second ball of the innings, removing Matt Hayward for a duck.
But as the conditions changed batting became easier and Alvechurch showed why they were in the top three all season as their top order took responsibility and ensured a stress free end to their title winning season.
Himbleton did manage to take six wickets, but this meant little as they were unable to avoid defeat which would have seen them pick up the necessary points required to have moved into second spot.
