LEAMINGTON’S stunning start to the season continued, after easing to a six-wicket win over Brockhampton in Birmingham & District Premier Division Two.
Spa put the hosts into bat after winning the toss, who initially made a good start to the game thanks to a number of extras gifted to them.
But after Oliver Rogoff was caught out by Harrison Smith at 46-1, fellow opener Adam Hewlett was then caught by Chris Calcott with the hosts on 52-2.
Ollie Currill caught Tom Austwick shortly after, the first of three catches that he claimed during the innings, before the middle order provided somewhat of a fightback for Brockhampton.
Nicholas Powell and Dominic Badger formed a 47-run partnership, prior to the former’s dismissal for an lbw from the bowling of Perry Derrick (3-23), who helped Spa get back on track.
A couple of wickets for Nabeel Asghar (2-32) helped Leamington’s cause further, as Brockhampton were bowled out for 177.
Spa made a similar start to that of the hosts when coming into bat, striking up an opening stand of 40 before Smith went for 24.
Luke De Souza (19) stint at the crease was ended by an lbw, before Waqar Ahmed (2) and Jonathan Wigley (24) took Leamington to 84-4.
From there, Spa’s William Mashinge (51) and Currill (40) hit an unbeaten 85 to surpass Brockhampton’s total in the 47th over – keeping them second in the league ahead of hosting Bromsgrove this Saturday (12 noon).
Spa’s second string are also flying high, and currently top Warwickshire League Division Two after beating Attock at Arlington Avenue.
The hosts initially struggled at just 20-3, but Jacob Sargeant (56), along with James Williams (83) at the bat helped build Spa’s run count considerably, whilst the late order of Jack Hawkes (34) and James Silk (24) added to the eventual 271 total posted by Leamington in the final over.
The visitors failed to get going, and lost two early wickets to Jason Butler (2-27), whilst Paul Lawrence also claimed a brace – conceding just 30 runs in the process.
Attock’s middle order posed somewhat of a threat, with Qasim Tanvir (35) top-scoring for the visitors, but the bowling of Silk (2-18) was smooth to the touch and allowed Dishant Sheth to eliminate the remaining three batsmen (3-29) and bowl Attock out for 133.
They next visit Dunlop Stars on Saturday (12:30pm).
Spa’s third team earned a maiden win of the season in the Cotswold Hills League Division One, beating FISSC by 35 runs.
Cam Mitchell hit 60 for Spa, but it was James Gilchriest’s unbeaten 121 that stole the show, taking Leamington to 284-6 from their innings.
Whilst Pankaj Kane hit a stunning 117 runs prior to injury in response for the visitors, they were unable to match the opening total and were bowled all out for 249.
Spa visit Ashton-Under-Hill next on Saturday (1:30pm).
