ALASTAIR Pretty hit a hundred as Himbleton thrashed Netherton by seven wickets to remain second in Division Three of the Worcestershire County League.
Sam Jenkins also produced a fine display as he took four wickets to reduce the visitors to 258.
But it was Pretty who stole the show as his unbeaten 106 guided Himbleton to victory and ensured they kept the pressure on leaders Alvechurch and Hopwood.
The Meadow Boys’ win could have been even more impressive if they had taken their chances. With the first ball of the match, Mike Rogers found the edge of Russ Oseland’s bat, but Stu Dickenson dropped the simplest of catches.
Oseland rode his luck during the start of his innings as Rogers again had him dropped behind the wicket in his second over.
Rogers did pick up the first wicket of the day as he bowled Harris for 11 to give Himbleton the wicket their efforts deserved.
Ronnie Guy then took the wicket of Troy Lee (34) to leave Netherton 111–2 from 20 overs.
Once Lee was removed, Himbleton continued to take regular wickets as the runs dried up.
Jenkins was the pick of the bowlers with 3-32. Dickenson took an excellent catch to give Jenkins his first wicket before his trademark inswinger was too good for Conor Warby.
Simon Oseland joined his brother with the score on 160-4 from 30 overs and showed the family trait of giving nothing away as he batting sensibly and scored from anything free of risk.
When his sibling Russ went for a hard-fought 62, Netherton were in danger of falling away after a decent start.
Oseland was fortunate to have been dropped three times but made sure his luck was not wasted as he went on to score 60 to push the visitors to a total of 258-9.
In reply, Himbleton suffered an early setback as Dickenson was undone by the ball of the day when Dominic Priest removed his off stump for only six runs.
Fortunately for the hosts, Pretty settled quickly and enjoyed the extra pace on the bat as he scored fluently on his arrival. Jenkins and Pretty’s efforts saw their side move on to 70–1 from 20 overs.
But with the hard work done, Jenkins (33) disappointingly got himself out with the score on 106 in the 28th over, forcing the off spin of Matthew Lowe as he was caught in the deep.
His replacement, Rogers, ensured Pretty had the majority of the strike and he took full advantage as he hit five straight sixes before clinching his century.
After Rogers fell for 44, Pretty was joined by Jamie Alford who took great delight in taking little time in reaching the target.
Alford faced 15 balls in his cameo performance of 37 not out, including three consecutive sixes to win the game.
