HIMBLETON maintained their winning ways in Division Three of the Worcestershire County League at the weekend with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Cleobury Mortimer with Ali Pretty starring once again with the bat .
After good work from the ground staff to get the game started on time, the Meadow Boys were made to bowl by their guests with Jamie Alford (2-40) and Mike Rogers (1-29) taking little time in making them regret their decision.
Alford took two early wickets in James Manley (10) and Sam Evans (3), both of which were comfortable catches for Luke Brace behind the stumps to give new captain Ricky Pretty the dream start on his first home game as skipper.
Rogers’ new found form and commitment to his captain was soon rewarded when Sean Jenkins produced a moment of brilliance to take a sharp catch in the gully to reward Rogers for his efforts and leave Cleobury in trouble on 30-3.
Ronnie Guy replaced Alford and soon joined in with the wicket greed as he picked up two in three balls to leave Himbleton in complete control at 57-5.
When George Clifton (2-9) claimed two wickets in the same over, dismissing Ed Kemp (19) and Luke Woodhouse (0), it appeared the Meadow Boys would be chasing a total of below 100.
However, Kieran Hall showed some grit and played sensible cricket for 15 overs to frustrate Pretty’s side as he scored a valuable 32 before Sean Jenkins finished off the innings with three full, straight deliveries to leave Himbleton a total of 134 to secure victory.
In reply, the Meadow Boys got off to a poor start when Stu Dickenson was caught second ball of the innings without scoring. With this wicket, Ali Pretty took centre stage and played a classy innings of 65 not out to ease any worries that the first over offered.
Critchlow looked positive for his 26 but was trapped LBW to Manley (2-46) who picked up his second wicket with the score on 99.
Jenkins ended the day with an unbeaten 24 from 15 balls to give Himbleton 20 points and move them above next week’s opponents Kempsey while the Meadow Boys’ Second XI entertain Himley.
