Perfect start continues as Stratford see off Olton
STRATFORD are clear at the top of the Warwickshire League Premier Division table after maintaining their perfect start with a third win on the bounce at Olton & West Warwickshire, reports David Lawrence.
And it was opening pair Neel Ammanath and Gareth Langman who were again key to the three-wicket victory, putting on 79 for the first wicket with Ammanath going on to score a century.
Returning skipper James Urquhart, who missed the opening two games due to a trip to Australia, admits he now has other players returning to the side although others won’t be available for Saturday’s home match with Rugby.
“We have had a few issues with the squad with players being unavailable for games so to come away with wins when we haven’t been at full strength is very pleasing,” he admitted. “That is probably going to be the story of the season because we are getting to the age where people have other commitments, myself included.
“While it’s the same story this week in that we are missing four, we gain four including Nathan Edwards who has yet to play this season.
“I look at our top seven this weekend and I don’t think we could get a stronger batting line-up out. It’s with the bowlers that’s where the rotation is happening and that’s not actually a bad thing because it will mean them having a rest every couple of weeks.
“I said to the lads on Saturday that I think we have a four-wicket curse because whoever takes four wickets seems to miss the next game.
“Joe White took four in the first game and has since been away and then Harry Dube took four in the second game and is now unavailable with his injured finger. Thankfully, nobody got four on Saturday. Joe is back this week and he is a great all-rounder and a great addition to the side.”
At Olton, the home side batted first and posted a score of 265 before being dismissed in the penultimate over. Leading wicket-taker was Cameron Stiles with 3-41 but there were also wickets for Urquhart, Langman, Archie Walker and Mike Brown.
With Ammanath and Langman then giving Stratford the perfect foundation, the visitors reached their target for the loss of seven wickets. John Stratton added a useful 35 before Urquhart (4no) and vice-captain Walker (28no) guided them over the line.
“When you are chasing 270 and you get off to a start like that with Langers and Neel then it’s nice for the rest of us to watch. They are not the sort of openers who go out and slog, they are proper cricketers who play their shots and keep up the scoring rate.
“This time last year we would have probably lost those games.”
In Division Three, Studley opener Keiron Ward top scored with 67 to help his side to a draw at Fillongley. Sam Fonyodi (31no) and Dan Taylor (29) also made telling contributions while Andrew Rhodes claimed 3-43.
The home side reached 257/8 while Studley were on 200/8 at the end of their overs.
League neighbours Earlswood lost by three wickets at home to Stockton Star, Johangir Khan top scoring for the home side with 53.
