Walker’s wickets help secure a dramatic win
STRATFORD beat the weather and some ‘tricky’ opponents to claim a nail-biting victory in their latest Warwickshire League Premier Division match.
Visitors Aston Manor were skittled out for 159 before the rain intervened to leave the home side just 30 overs to reach their target.
In the end, they did it with just six balls to spare with Nathan Edwards hitting the winning runs with a boundary that also brought up his half-century.
Stratford skipper James Urquhart said: “It was superb to win in that manner – going to the final few balls and with Nathan getting his 50 – and particularly against such tough opposition.
“With the rain interruption we had reduced overs to chase down the total but the message from the start was to go for it and the two openers did a great job. We went for it throughout the innings and Nathan did a good job in finishing it off. I was a nervous captain as I was going in next.
“It was a great all-round day after restricting them to an achievable target. At one point it was looking as though they could get 250 so to bowl them out for 160 was very pleasing. They were cruising at one stage but then lost a few wickets and we were the same, losing wickets at the wrong time just when we seemed to be getting some runs. It ebbed and flowed throughout.
“The disappointing thing is that although we won, we have actually gone down a place because the team below us got a full 24 months.”
Archie Walker took 4-39 as Aston Manor were dismissed for 159 while Sean Hopwood took the key wicket of leading batsman Usama Khan when he was just five runs short of his half-century.
In reply, Stratford looked to be easing to their total only to lose key wickets at vital times and in the end, it was left to Edwards (51no) to hit the winning runs with just an over to spare.
In Division Two, there were wins for both Studley and Earlswood as they look to climb away from the foot of the table.
Studley had tasted victory just once going into their match with Dunlop Pak Stars at Washford Fields but made an excellent start with opening pair Kieron Ward (42) and Chris Moss (25) laying a solid foundation.
Dan Taylor then added 66 with Stephen Rose scoring 28 off as many balls to help Studley to 209/6 from their 50 overs.
Rain meant the visitors were given a revised total of 179 and they started well, reaching 98/1. But some slick bowling stopped them in their stride with Stuart Harris taking 4-20, Oliver Harris 3-62 and Ward 2-36 as Dunlop were left stranded on 168/9 at the end of their overs.
Earlswood are still bottom but were able to celebrate an eight-wicket victory over RMCC.
Captain Alex Laud proved key to their win, taking three wickets before top scoring for his side as they chased down a revised target.
His 3-39 from ten overs helped restrict their hosts to 230/8 and he then hit an unbeaten 105 off 104 balls which included a 109-run third wicket stand with Ben Fitzgerald (39no).