LEAMINGTON CC eased their way to a second victory of the Birmingham & District Premier Division Two season, after a six-wicket win over Ombersley on Saturday.
The club’s latest win ensures they sit joint top of the pile alongside Harborne and Himley as the only three sides to record a 100% record after two games played.
Leamington captain Ollie Currill took the armband in place of injured skipper Jon Wigley and won the toss, forcing the hosts to bat first.
Currill then proceeded to take three of the opening four wickets, with Joe Midgley claiming the opener for an lbw, as Ombersley got off to a stuttering start at 24-4.
Former-Worcestershire professional Gareth Andrew tried to haul the hosts back into contention, but Spa never looked likely to slip up.
He was dismissed by Waqar Ahmed’s catch after hitting 30, although tailenders Jake Howl and Neil Slade took to the crease to hit 12 and 16 runs respectively.
However, they were unable to achieve a solid total, with Ombersley all out for 122 – Matthew Davison bowling the final three batsmen.
To Ombersley’s credit, they made the best possible start to the second innings, after Andrew bowled opening batsman Luke De Souza and number three Matthew Payne, leaving Leamington on 0-2.
The second opener Harrison Smith then fell to Andrew’s bowling, who accrued a 21 run partnership with Ahmed before his dismissal.
Ahmed took control of proceedings and hit 37 not out, building a successful partnership with William Mashinge to take Leamington over the century mark.
Mashinge was later caught out by Andrew, but Currill and Ahmed took Spa over the line for a well-earned victory.
Spa next welcome Oswestry on Saturday (12 noon), who lost to Bridgnorth by three wickets.
Meanwhile, Leamington’s second XI took on Corley at Arlington Avenue, winning by five wickets.
Corley chose to bat and started well, before Jason Butler claimed an lbw.
Angad Kandola then took two wickets, dismissing top-scoring opener Paul Williams (29) and Phil Evans (2), before Tom Warner also took a double, claiming wickets from Karandeep Bharj (19) and James Stride (10).
Jamie Phillips (26) was a key dismissal by Nick Couzens, whilst Jonny Carr (25) was the first of a quickfire three wickets claimed by Ibi Afzal – bowling Corley all out for 174 after 41 overs.
Warner was dismissed by an lbw early in Leamington’s innings, but Joe Somra (22) and Afzal (55) got Leamington back on track.
A match-winning 30 not out by Jim Gethins proved crucial, whilst Jamie Treasure also took an unbeaten 20 to surpass Corley’s total by five wickets.
Victory puts Leamington’s second-string top of the Warwickshire County Cricket League Division 2, ahead of visiting second-placed Pak Shaheen on Saturday (12:30pm).
