PROMOTION-chasing Himbleton delivered a commanding performance to beat Martley by eight wickets in a Worcestershire County League Division Three clash.
The win extended the Meadow Boys’ winning streak to four games and enabled them to close the gap on league leaders Kempsey, who suffered a surprise defeat to Avoncroft, to 22 points.
Chasing 223 to win, Stuart Dickenson’s side cruised past their target after 27 overs with the mainstay of the innings being a majestic unbeaten 102 from Alistair Pretty.
Pretty was ably assisted by a belligerent Jon Critchlow who took little time in reaching 50 before being caught for 61 in the 16th over.
Sean Jenkins (41 not out) was similarly dismissive of the Martley attack as he and Pretty added 110 runs off 63 balls to blast the hosts over the line.
Pretty’s innings demonstrated a calm reassurance following the early dismissal of his brother Richard (1) and his trademark cover drive soon began to flow as he gorged himself on 17 fours and three sixes.
Martley’s earlier dominance with the ball faded in the heat which made the Himbleton top order to make light work of a competitive total.
Earlier in the day, the Meadow Boys’ varied attack was once again dominant with Greg Dale (3-29) and George Clifton (2-38) the pick of the bowlers.
Martley had recovered from 47-4 to reach 191-6 thanks to Tom Vale (51) and Alex Basford (61 no).
The visitors then collapsed once again to finish on 222.
Himbleton will look to secure a fifth straight win on Saturday when they travel to Five Ways Old Edwardians.
