ASTWOOD BANK moved into the last 32 national stage of the National Village Cup as a nine-wicket victory at Exhall & Wixford saw them crowned Worcestershire Group champions.
Mikey Desmond took 5-23 and Sam Thomas 3-23 to dismiss the hosts for just 99 before Blakemore’s unbeaten 54 saw Bank home on Sunday.
Bank will host fellow Birmingham League Division Three outfit Milford Hall (Stafford) in the last 32 on Sunday, June 25.
SATURDAY’S Birmingham League Division Three encounter between Bank and Shropshire side Sentinel was ruined by rain.
Visitors Bank chose to bat and reached 95-1 as Blakemore (43) and Tom Pedley (47) impressed, but Dominic Bradburne (3-63) and George Cheshire (4-55) checked the progress of Steve Adshead’s side, who were dismissed for 208 in the 53rd over.
The hosts were 31-0 off six overs in reply before play was abandoned, leaving Bank with seven points.
Bank, who had won their previous four league matches, dropped to fifth but are just 13 points off top spot heading into Saturday’s visit of Streetly.
