HIMBLETON’s clash with Avoncroft was frustratingly washed out at the weekend with the game interestingly poised for a close finish.
After a career best performance of 8–42 from Jonathan Hunter, Saturday saw the Meadow Boys crawl to 199 all out before taking little time in reducing Avoncroft to 78–4 when the umpires decided the weather would be the eventual winner.
Himbleton’s captain Jon Critchlow’s poor early season form continued as he became Hunter’s first victim after poor shot selection gave the simplest of chances to Tom Murray.
Ali Pretty and Martyn Preece rebuilt slowly but a slow delivery was too good for Preece as he fell in similar circumstances as his failing captain.
Mike Rogers’ stay lasted one ball as Hunter produced his ball of the day to dismiss Himbleton’s most consistent player to leave the Meadow Boys in early trouble at 42–3.
Pretty showed his class with a respectful innings but when he fell to Hunter, the Himbleton tail was left open.
James Alford looked to fight fire with fire and got away with some heavy drives but when his technique was found out, Hunter had claimed his and Avoncroft’s fifth wicket with the score on 79.
Ricky Pretty constructed the comeback for the league strugglers as he chipped away and punished full and short balls with precision.
He was ably assisted by the lower order with Matt Edgar (16) and Sammy Jenkins (26) providing valuable support.
Jenkins was superb and showed great timing to drum the total nearer respectability.
Ricky Pretty hit 26 from Josh Cound’s only over to reach his 50 and set a defendable target of 199.
In reply Sammy Jenkins showed spirit to bowl in difficult conditions as he claimed the danger man David James after a brilliant high catch with a wet ball from George Clifton.
James Alford looked to offer his team some inspiration as he claimed three quick wickets to give Himbleton the slight advantage when the rain became too heavy and both sides had to leave the field of play.
Himbleton claimed eight points for their day’s efforts and will hope the weather allows them chance to allow next weekend’s games versus Barnards Green at the Meadow Ground to end in a final result.
