A DEPLETED Himbleton suffered a chastening Worcestershire County League Division Two defeat at Bartestree & Lugwardine last Saturday.
With seven first XI players missing it was always going to be a challenge for the Meadow Boys and although those stepping up did well to roll their hosts for 165, they were dismissed for just 104 in reply.
After Bartestree elected to bat first Rob Perrins (1-7) produced another fine opening spell to restrict the home side to just 50-1 off the first 20 overs.
Then the combination of the pace of the returning Matt Handford (4-21) and the guile of Paul Guy (2-33) reduced Bartestree to 86-7.
However, the Meadow Boys failed to capitalise as Ryan Trattell (33) and Dan Harris (24) batted sensibly to rescue the innings and take the final total to 165.
Himbleton’s reply never got going as wickets fell with alarming regularity with only Mike Rogers (28) and Matt Handford (17) putting together a meaningful partnership, batting with maturity to add 49 for the sixth wicket.
Himbleton were finally all out for 104.
Skipper Stuart Dickenson said: “It was a good effort from the lads given the circumstances.
“We’ll just have to put this one down to experience.
“The bowling was magnificent, Rob Perrins was relentless and it was fantastic to see Matt Handford back in action.
“He brings an extra dimension to our attack and he was solid with the bat.
“We welcome back a load of players next week as we go from famine to feast.
“At least it gives me a more enjoyable selection headache.”
Himbleton host Bredon on Saturday.
