REDDITCH Entaco will be aiming to put some breathing space between themselves and the Worcestershire League Division One drop zone with a positive result against Colwall at Bromsgrove Road on Saturday.
The Kingfishers endured a frustrating weekend last time out as, for the second Saturday in succession, weather had a big say in proceedings, including the first team’s five-wicket defeat at high-flying Hagley.
The visitors posted 189-8 off 41 overs as opener Jack Roberson led from the front with an excellent 47 and fellow opener Rizwan Choudry (35), Russell Southwick (39) and Perry Derrick (38no) all chipped in as Redditch produced a much-improved batting display before Hagley bounced back and the innings fell away somewhat.
With the hosts set a revised target of 120 off 20 overs, the Kingfishers struck early but on a small ground Hagley recovered and reached their target with two overs to spare.
There were wickets for Joe Scarcella, Waqas Ali, Derrick and two for Greg Chinn, but they could not save Redditch, who are just two places and five points above the bottom two in what is a tightly packed bottom half.
Just 22 overs were possible in the corresponding fixture at Bromsgrove Road in Division One 2nd XI as Hagley restricted Redditch to 56-3 off 21 overs.
Nick Fowkes enjoyed his time at the crease with 37 not out, but the match was abandoned due to heavy rain. Redditch visit Colwall on Saturday.
An enjoyable day at the Entaco saw Hallow take the points with a narrow two-wicket victory over Redditch 3rds in Division Five.
Set a revised target of 147 off 28 overs, the visitors completed the job in 23.4 overs.
Earlier in the day teenager Marlon Lokenath recorded his maiden senior century as the 17-year-old hit a magnificent 113 in Redditch’s total of 200 all out.
On Saturday the mid-table 3rds travel to Old Elizabethans full of confidence.
The 4ths’ Division Five 2nd XI fixture at Hallow was abandoned without a ball being bowled. On Saturday Old Elizabethans 4ths are the visitors to the Entaco.
On Wednesday three Redditch Entaco cricketers represented the Worcestershire League in their annual fixture against the Cotswold Hill League at Norton Lindsey and the trio all made significant contributions as the Worcestershire League won by 98 runs.
Roberson top scored with 86, Derrick weighed in with four wickets and the league’s leading wicket-taker Ali chipped in with a wicket as the Cotswold Hills team were dismissed for 186.
