LEAMINGTON’s midweek XI lifted the Coventry Charity Cup for the first time in 11 years on Friday, after overcoming Pak Stars by 64 runs.
Openers Harrison Smith (114) and Chris Calcott (53) lit up the final with their respective efforts at the crease, finding boundaries at regular intervals to put on 136 for the first wicket.
Calcott was eventually caught by Hamza Nadeem from the 31st ball faced, though Smith continued to smash Leamington into a commanding lead alongside Billy Hallett (11) – with Spa eventually closing on 211-3.
Leamington’s bowlers then took the reins and skittled out a number of the top order to leave Pak Stars on 72-5.
Even after a partnership of 44 between Baber Khan (19) and Sarmad Bhatthi (49), Spa remained in control, with Oliver Currill (3-11) limiting Pak Stars to a 147-9 total to earn silverware.
Leamington backed up that performance the following day with a winning draw against Ombersley to keep in touch of the Birmingham & District Premier Division Two summit.
Spa recovered from losing opener Waqar Ahmed (4) early in the innings by putting runs on the board, courtesy of Smith (39), Jonathan Wigley (28) and Sulaiman Hussain (53).
The middle order duo of William Mashinge (64no) and Currill (100) whacked 150 before the fifth wicket to build a commanding total, before the latter was caught off a Gareth Andrew delivery (3-76) at 295-5.
Set with a target of 308-5 to beat, Ombersley formed an opening partnership of 114 to stun the hosts.
Jack Haynes (71) was eventually caught by Joe Midgley off a Nabeel Asghar (5-52) delivery, ending his stunning run with Liam Gwynne (80).
Gwynne battled on alongside Uday Kaul (11) and Nicholas Hammond (15) prior to falling at the third wicket, at which point Ombersley’s remaining batting order began to collapse.
Only number five Gareth Andrew (20no) could hit a respectable score, as Asghar, Perry Derrick (1-9) and Mashinge (1-32) limited the visitors to a 210-9 total.
Leamington now head to leaders Oswestry on Saturday (noon) for another crucial tie.
