Bains stars with ball as Panthers seal victory
EXCELLENT bowling and a key third-wicket partnership guided Stratford to victory over Streetley in the Premier Division of the Warwickshire League.
Returning Panthers skipper Dexter Purser won the toss, put the Birmingham side into bat and then watched as his bowlers scythed through the order.
Josh Bains was the pick the attack, taking 5-34 including the wicket of opener Muhammad Daniyaal who had hit a resolute 25 off 77 balls.
Archie Walker removed Streetley’s other opener and skipper Neil Curtis (14) in his way to 2-26 off 12 overs with Sean Hopwood sweeping up the tail with his 3-29 from 9.5 overs. There was good support from Tom Grundy and Josh Colwell as the visitors were dismissed for 130.
Stratford’s response got off to a shaky start with openers Purser out for a duck and George Ross following shortly afterwards as they were reduced to 2/2.
But Josh Hickman (39) and Nicholas Blacker (30) dug in and their 73-run partnership set the foundation for the Panthers’ win. Cameron Stiles added a useful 21 before Tom Grundy’s 9 not out off ten balls steered his side to 131/8 in the 36th over and a two-wicket victory.
There were conflicting fortunes in Division Two with Earlswood winning at Warwick while Studley’s heavy defeat at Marston Green saw them remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Skipper Alex Laud was once again Earlswood’s batting hero as he hit 124 off 125 balls to help secure a four-wicket win.
Hosts Warwick chalked up a challenging 269/7 with a number of players hitting half-centuries led by Ben Fryer’s 71. Dan Empson (3-66) and Harvey Williams (2-34) took the majority of the wickets and there was some frugal bowling from Joe Bussey whose ten overs went for just 26 runs.
In reply, Laud led the way with his innings including 16 fours and 3 sixes while Colby Snipe (32) and Sandara Narotra (23) made useful contributions. A barnstorming 28 off 17 balls from Elliot Weir finished things off, the keeper taking Earlswood to victory with a six as his side reached their target with seven balls to spare.
A fine knock of 86 off 72 balls from Daniel Taylor was not enough for struggling Studley as they suffered a nine-wicket defeat at Marston Green. Jack Williams (47) and Chris Moss (24) also made runs as their side was skittled out for 191.
Their opponents were never in trouble as Zeeshaan Javed (80no) and Roheel Masrat (88no) guided them to 193/1, the only wicket falling to Studley skipper Andy Rhodes (1-49).
Stratford travel to Handsworth on Saturday while there are home games for Earlswood and Studley against Walmley 2nds and Ward End Unity respectively.
