Cricket
Spa suffer disappointing defeat

LEAMINGTON crashed to a heavy nine wicket Birmingham League Premier Division defeat against Walsall at Arlington Avenue on Saturday.

Damp conditions meant the start was delayed for an hour and the contest was reduced to 47 overs per side.

Leamington were asked to bat first on losing the toss and Walsall quickly exploited the bowler friendly conditions.

David Bailey 20 and Lee Hopkins 31 were the only top order batsmen to seriously trouble the scorers against the accurate attack of Freeman 2-22, Byrne 4-35 and Bowker 2-31.

It took a late flurry from Talati 25 to lift Leamington to a disappointing total of 123 for 9.

Walsall cruised to 124 for 1 in just 18 overs thanks to South African overseas star Jonker who smashed a rapid 77 off only 49 balls.

Jonker, who hit six 6’s and six other boundaries, shared an opening partnership of 117 with Wicker 39no, whileTalati was the only wicket-taker.

Leamington visit Knowle & Dorridge this Saturday.

The 2nds, who only fielded ten men, enjoyed a fully deserved 45 run victory at Walsall.

Spa were restricted to 166 for 8 with Matt Goatley 22 and debutant Gaz Strangwood 40 top scoring.

Walsall struggled against the visiting attack which was superbly led by 15-year-old Will Field who returned 3-23.

Jim Cethins 3-24 and Jason Butler 3-8 offered excellent support which ensured Walsall were dismissed for 121 of which Plant made 36.

Leamington 3rds recorded a comfortable seven wicket Cotswold Hills League Division One victory against Overbury.

The visitors were bowled out for 127 with Liam Killian 3-21, the evergreen Dave Hawkes 2-21 and Sanjeevan Thevaraj 2-20 performing well with the ball.

Spa recovered from 10 for 2 to reach 128 for 3 thanks to a third wicket partnership of 75 between Hawkes 61no and Guy Stanton 31, while Pardeep Kumar chipped in with 22no.

The 4ths chalked up a convincing eight wicket Cotswold Hills League Division Six victory at Badsey 2nds.

Joe Gisbourne 27no was the only batsman to reach double figures as Badsey were skittled out for just 59.

There were two wickets apiece for Lewis Baker, James Cutts and golden oldie Mark Ryan, while Dan Mills, Asad Saghzai and Matthew Davison also tasted success.

Dan Mills 12, Davison 12no and Patrick Mills 13no eased Spa to 60 for 2 in the 22nd over

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