Catlin’s century helps secure victory

STRATFORD romped to a 140-run victory over Warwickshire League Premier Division visitors Olton and West Warwickshire to re-ignite their hopes for a top three finish.

Osian Catlin was the star turn with a run-a-ball century before some outstanding bowling particularly from Josh Bains wrapped up the win.

Stand-in skipper Archie Walker won the toss, elected to bat and openers Neel Ammanath (15) and Gareth Langman (14) made steady progress until the pair fell in the same over to bowler Shakeel Janjua.

This brought Catlin to the crease and along with John Stratton (16), they put on 86 for the third wicket. Nathan Edwards added a useful 30 as the hosts were dismissed for 226 with Catlin scoring 113 off 112 balls including 16 fours.

Runs proved hard to come by for Olton against Stratford’s opening strike bowlers Walker (2-24 off six overs) and Tom Grundy (1-13 off ten overs). Sean Hopwood took 2-25 from his nine overs before Bains starred with 4-7 from seven overs to have the visitors all out for 86 inside 34 overs.

The result hoisted Stratford back up to fourth, 14 points behind Streetly with two games to play starting with Saturday’s final home match against Moseley Ashfield.

In Division Two, there was a rare win for Earlswood as they climbed off the foot of the table having had opponents Dunlop Pak Stars all out for 197 with skipper Alex Laud taking 3-40 and Hazziq Rehman taking 3-45.

In reply, Laud hit 42 off 47 balls and Adil Haider added 56 before Ben Fitzgerald top scored with an unbeaten 61 from 52 balls, including four sixes, guided them to their target.

That sent Studley to the foot of the table after they suffered a five-wicket defeat at Kenilworth Wardens 2nds. Sam Fonyondi top scored with 25, Oliver Harris added 24 but the Washford Fields side were dismissed for 149 with Wardens easing to victory in the 38th over. Studley’s Andrew Rhodes took two wickets and Charlie Bass bowled a tidy six overs for 1-11.

Earlswood are at home to Water Orton on Saturday and Studley are at fellow strugglers RMCC.