KENILWORTH Wardens claimed a morale-boosting win against Dorridge to lift themselves closer to safety in Birmingham & District Premier Division One, after winning by nine wickets at Grange Road.
It was the Wardens’ second win of the season to date, one which they achieved in emphatic fashion, beating the host’s total in 22 overs.
After being put into bat first, Kenilworth took two early Dorridge wickets at 22-2, after Tommy Rex bowled Aarib Khan (4) and Edward Thompson (5).
Dorridge’s Gary Hawkins (75 not out) was an ever-present during the first innings, and formed a 48-run partnership alongside Joe Dodd (22) prior to the sixth wicket.
James Sykes was a man in-form for the Wardens, taking four wickets in all for 55 runs conceded, as Dorridge were bowled out for 154 in 28 overs.
Going into bat, Kenilworth’s Tom Brammer hit 27 before being run out by Fahad Sabir – the only man to be dismissed in the second innings.
From there, Nick Seager (72 not out) and Nathan Edwards (44 not out) took charge to hit an unbeaten partnership of 107 to win the game.
Kenilworth next host lowly West Bromwich Dartmouth on Saturday (noon), and will be confident of claiming a second successive win against their relegation rivals.
The Wardens second XI had their home game against Attock Seconds abandoned due to the weather, though the Thirds were in action away to Leamington’s fourth string in Cotswold Hills League Division Two.
Leamington were the victors by eight wickets, after beating Kenilworth’s total of 142-5 with 25 balls remaining.
Max Wdowski (4-17) was a thorn in Kenilworth’s side, dismissing the four opening batsman, though Tom Ballinger (67 not out) went unbeaten to boost the Wardens total.
Kenilworth’s Nick Whiting bowled opener David Hawkes (37) for an lbw, whilst Tom Ballinger caught Mark Davison (21) from Sam O’Connell’s ball, but the unbeaten Matthew Payne (76 no) took Leamington to victory.
Wardens Seconds are in action away to Dunlop Stars on Saturday (12.30pm), whilst the third XI play host to Woodbourne (1.30pm).
