IMPROVING Redditch Entaco moved further clear of Worcestershire League Division One relegation danger thanks to a 65-run victory at Droitwich on Saturday.
Three wickets apiece for captain Perry Derrick and Tom Field secured the win and 24 points after the Kingfishers had made 208-7 off their 50 overs thanks to 67 from in-form Russell Southwick and 47 from Stefan Jagielski, who has also been in the runs recently.
Redditch then wasted little time in running through the Droitwich order as only opener Kris Corbett (53) offered any resistance and Spa were in deep trouble at 89-7.
There was some late order resistance but Field (3-20 off seven overs) and Derrick (3-26 off nine) finished the job to hand Redditch their second league win of the campaign and lift them into eighth place, 23 points above the drop zone as the league enters its second half with a trip to Evesham on Saturday.
The Kingfishers were last night (Thursday) aiming for glory in the East Worcestershire T20 Cricket League final when they took on Barnt Green at Bromsgrove. Look out for a report in next week’s Standard.
The 2nd XI secured a winning draw and 17 points at home to Droitwich in Division One – which leaves them fifth in the table at the midway point – just ten points behind leaders Worcester Nomads ahead of Saturday’s home game against Evesham.
Redditch posted a commanding 299-5 off their 50 overs as openers Greg Chinn (71) and Bryan Melliard (57) and then captain Geoff Eley (93no) all looked in good touch.
The hosts fought hard to secure victory but there was enough resistance to deny them, despite another fine display from youngster Harvey Chawner who took 4-33 off 12 overs, as the visitors closed on 214-8.
Redditch Entaco 3rds were beaten by one wicket at Hagley in Division Seven, despite 42 from Adam Freeman as the visitors made 142.
The hosts replied with 143-9 as they recovered from 93-6. The pick of the bowlers were Bruce Joseph (3-40) and Kevin Lokenath (2-21).
Redditch have an instant chance of revenge when they host Hagley on Saturday.
There was frustration for Redditch 4ths as scheduled Division Nine visitors Harvington conceded the game, but the 20 points leave Redditch top of the table heading into Saturday’s match at Bromyard.
