AN EIGHT-wicket defeat at Bartestree & Lugwardine placed Himbleton in tenth in Worcestershire County League Division Two.
The hosts had the dynamic duo of William Maund (64) and Ryan Trattell (82) to thank for rescuing their side after a slow start, smashing 151 between them to claim victory.
Batting first after winning the toss, the visitors appeared to be struggling at 15-2, but recovered after a third-wicket partnership between captain Richard Sugden (35) and Sean Jenkins (31).
When Sugden departed after being caught by Sam Bowen off Ryan Trattell’s (5-48) delivery, Jenkins swiftly followed, as the Meadow Boys’ run rate slowed.
A ninth-wicket partnership of 51 between tailenders Sam Jenkins (26) and Greg Dale (24) was welcomed and bumped up the visitors’ score – though both batsmen departed in quick succession.
Bartestree & Lugwardine made a slow start in search of the 184 target, losing openers Nick Freeman (4) and Ben Simpkin (14) to slip to 36-2.
But with Maund and Trattell in inspired form, the latter notably firing 17 balls into the boundary and the solitary six of the game, the hosts were in capable hands to see out victory.
