Passey hits century to boost Henley’s hopes

OPENER Marc Passey proved Henley’s star batsman after hitting an unbeaten 127 to guide his side to victory over Cotswold Hills League Division Three neighbours Earlswood.

But with title rivals Long Itchington 2nds and Leek Wootton 2nds also winning, it means the Birmingham Road side remain in third place ahead of this weekend’s trip to another of the in-form sides, fourth-placed Kineton 2nds.

Passey’s innings included 16 fours and 2 sixes with James Bramwell also among the runs as he chalked up 50 as Henley reached 291/6 off their 45 overs.

Excellent bowling from Chris Key (3-18 off ten) and skipper Alan Stevens (3-24 off ten) had Earlswood in all sorts of trouble with Henry Ballard (23) the only player to make any sort of inroads. Ihsan Khan, Mitch Colby and Adam Edwards were also among the wickets as the visitors were skittled out for just 78.

Elsewhere in the division it proved a disappointing afternoon for Claverdon as they lost by four wickets at home to Leek Wootton.

Skipper Vince Hammond (20), Joe Taylor (22) and James Matthew (34) tried to keep the runs coming but found it tough going against the visitors’ bowling attack.

Having posted 145 all out, Hammond’s side toiled in the field and Leek Wootton reached their target in the 37th over for the loss of six wickets. Matthew was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-29 in his nine overs.

Blockley remain winless after they suffered a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of Kineton.

Welford climbed up to third in Division Four thanks to a 117-run win at Alvechurch and Hopwood 3rds.

Opener Dave Fawcett laid the foundations with a fine 82 with Charlie Tyler (38) and Martin Maloine (37) also contibuting to a total of 223/8 off 37 overs.

Tyler then proved the main wicket-taker, snaffling 3-24 as Alvechurch could reach just 111/8 in the 31st over of a rain-affected game.

Temple Grafton continued their decent run in Division One, their three-wicket win at home to Moreton-in-Marsh being their third straight victory.

Adam Kirk took 2-15 from seven overs as the visitors were restricted to 175/5 before some fierce hitting from Matthew Denton-Cooke (53) and John Gibbons (42) guided them to victory.

Leaders FISSCwere once again the outstanding side in Division Two, cruising to an eight-wicket win at home to Mickleton.

Southam were also convincing winners, beating visitors Great Alne by 190 runs.

James Boden top scored with 101 with Kyle Williams adding 65 and Luke Church 46 while Craig Lenton then took 5-34 and Dean Jordan 3-6.

Elsewhere, Bidford beat Welles-bourne 2nds by 67 runs.