Wood loss compounds Wardens’ cup exit

Kenilworth Wardens’ interest in the Graham Williamson trophy ended at the quarter-final stage as they fell to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of last year’s Birmingham Premier League champions Shrewsbury.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th May 2011, 13:20 BST

After Scott Stenning’s team were dismissed for 187 - about 30 short of a competitive score - half-centuries from Shrewsbury openers Alex Blofield and Ed Foster eased the hosts most of the way to a comfortable win.

Despite the defeat, Wardens enter the Division One campaign in good heart following three solid pre-season displays.

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Their only setback came when opening bowler Dan Wood suffered a side strain, which looks likely to keep him out until June.

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The loss of the former Durham UCCE paceman, who had delivered only ten balls, was a serious blow to an attack already missing the unavailable James Jordan and Warwickshire ace Tom Allin, who played as a batsman following a heavy county 2nd XI workload during the preceding week.

Although Ali Wilkinson’s accurate opening burst initially checked Shrewsbury’s progress, Shropshire star Foster, whose 57 came from 71 balls, and Blofield, with 50 from 63 balls, prospered against the change bowlers, to post 106 for the hosts’ first wicket.

Off-spinner Tony Wilkinson finally broke the partnership and continued his good early-season bowling form to return two for 40.

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However, the damage was done, and useful knocks from Will Parton (32) and Rob Foster (20) took the Shrews into the semi-finals with more than seven overs in hand.

Earlier, Stenning (36) and keeper Richard Bush (37) added 83 for Wardens’ third wicket after the visitors had slumped to 12 for two.

Andy Whitehall and Tony Wilkinson also passed 20, but off- spinner Rob Foster (three for 21) and Worcestershire leg-spinner Elliott Green (three for 25), kept the Wardens middle order on a tight leash, to leave the talented home batting line-up with a straightforward task.

Wardens 1st and 2nd teams open their Birmingham League campaigns against Evesham this weekend, while the club’s Cotswold Hills League teams face Great Alne and Earlswood.

Wardens are seeking umpires and scorers for their Saturday 2nd and 3rd teams.

Anyone interested is asked to contact James Madley on 07812 181093 or at [email protected]

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