IT WAS a highly impressive start to the Birmingham League Division Three season for Astwood Bank as they powered to a 202-run victory at Whitchurch on Saturday.
The visitors were given a fine platform from which to secure victory as captain Steve Adshead – batting at four – and fellow middle order batsman Andy Alexander put the home attack to the sword.
Adshead made 104 off just 62 balls including 11 fours and three sixes and Alexander was equally brutal in plundering 85 off 53 balls including five fours and seven maximums as Bank totalled 311-5 off their 45 overs.
Dan Thomas then proved the spearhead of an excellent all-round bowling display as he took 5-27 to destroy the Shropshire side’s hopes of avoiding defeat after Tom Harris (2-10) had removed both openers.
Dan Taylor (3-16) also got in on the act as Bank laid down a marker by taking 20 points as the hosts were skittled for just 109 in the 29th over.
Saturday (noon) brings the visit of Water Orton to Sambourne Lane.
BRANDON Miller marked his return to Studley from Astwood Bank with an unbeaten 63 to help his side to a losing draw in their Warwickshire League Division One opener at Barby.
Miller received excellent support from Simon Stamenkovic (37no) as the duo guided Studley to 160-5 in reply to the hosts’ 280-7.
Studley were in trouble as the hosts sensed victory, but Miller and Stamenkovic provided a welcome resistance which has not often been shown by their side in recent times.
Earlier in the game Barby scored fluently throughout their innings, which was given impressive late impetus by Will Sinclair’s unbeaten 71.
There were two wickets apiece for Josh Gandy and Greg Moore.
Studley, who collected seven points, travel to Coventry outfit Standard on Saturday.
