Leamington strengthen title chances thanks to half-century from Alam

Leamington won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry wicket and, once pace came off the ball, scoring became difficult.

Max Webber (12) and Mark Lewis (3) departed early before captain David Bailey (27) joined opener Shahbaz Alam in a valuable partnership of 57.

Once Bailey departed, Alam went on to compile a disciplined 58, well supported by the lower order who helped up the run rate to see Leamington to 208 all out with one ball of their 55 overs remaining.

Mark Ashcroft (27), Grant Thornton (20) and Tom Warner (20) all provided much-needed impetus towards the end of the innings.

For the visitors, Richard Brooker was by far the pick of the bowlers with six for 75 from his 17 overs of leg-spin.

In reply, Leamington’s opening pace duo of Grant Thornton (2-20) and Tom Warner (1-14) reduced the visitors to 15 for three.

Things did not improve for Halesowen once the pace was taken off as Nabeel Ashgar continued his fine season with two for 27 and Jagdeep Khurana (1-5) picked up his maiden wicket for the first team.

However, it was Mark Ashcroft (12-6-16-4) who bowled with great control to rip through the spine of the Halesowen batting line-up.

Only captain Faisal Shahid looked comfortable with a spirited 32 not out as he watched his side crumble to 96 all out.

A strong-looking Leamington second string produced a dreadful display on their way to an eight-wicket defeat against Walmley 2nds.

Leamington batted first on a belter of a strip and, despite losing two early wickets, progressed well through Ollie Currill and Jimbo Williams before Currill was run out for 35.

Williams made 80 but failed to find any support as Leamington collapsed to 154 all out with 15 overs of their innings unused.

Paul Griffiths took four for 24 and Sultan Afsal three for 10.

The total appeared at least 150 less than required on a beautiful pitch and so it proved as Walmley galloped towards the meagre target at almost ten runs an over.

Paul Lawrence and Jake Salmon managed a single, expensive, wicket each as Walmley reached their total with almost 50 overs to spare, Lewis Harrison (69) top-scoring.

Leamington 3rds suffered a six-wicket defeat to Exhall and Wixford in Division One of the Cotswold Hills League.

After opting to bat first on a good pitch, Leamington found themselves 13 for four after eight overs.

Jim Gethins (16) and skipper Matt Dale (29) helped repair the early damage and it was left to Matt Davison (45) and Tom Mackrill (28 not out) to get Spa up to 161 for nine off 45 overs.

Opening bowler Simpson finished with four for 30.

Exhall made light work of the target, reaching it in 32 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Simpson completed a fine day with 85.

Pick of the Spa bowlers was David Lord with two for 26.