HIMBLETON lost an enthralling encounter at the weekend to Worcestershire County League Division Three promotion chasing Netherton in a rain affected game which saw it go down to the penultimate over.
Netherton, chasing 146 from 35 overs, were made to work for their victory as they eventually reached their target with only four wickets to spare.
After losing the toss, the Meadow Boys were put into bat on a wet wicket and lost their two danger men to the poor weather conditions.
Stu Dickenson top edged while Jamie Alford dug out a ball which skidded on to him only to hit it straight to cover.
With Himbleton at 8-2, it was down to the ever reliable Alistair Pretty to bail the Meadow Boys out of trouble. He top scored with 62 and was supported by skipper Sean Jenkins (28) as they put on 112 for the third wicket.
But when Jenkins was bowled, Himbleton lost seven wickets for only 25 runs as they were sent back to the pavilion for only 145.
In reply, Netherton were pegged back from the start after an excellent bowling spell from Michael Rogers.
His pace, energy and effort was too much for the Black Country visitors as he cleaned up the top four in a spell of 4-20 in eight overs.
However, Netherton regrouped and batted sensibly before taking advantage of some loose bowling by Sammy Jenkins and namesake Sean to claw their way to the target.
George Clifton’s efforts got him a much-deserved wicket towards the end of the innings while Rogers claimed his fifth victoim of the day in the last over of the game.
But Netherton went on to get the victory they very much needed to keep their promotion chances alive going into the last weekend of the season.
The Meadow Boys travel to already relegated Malvern on Saturday and will be aiming to end a difficult season off the field with a final win.
