ASTWOOD BANK’S tenth win of the Birmingham League Division Three campaign was a crucial one as they defeated fellow promotion hopefuls Lichfield to leapfrog the Staffordshire side into second place.
Steve Adshead’s side held their nerve to ensure the hosts fell just short of a revised DLS method target of 162, closing on 153-8 off their 44 overs.
In conditions ideal for bowling, Bank opener Tom Pedley (42) stood strong but Thomas Stone (4-29) and Lewis Peat (3-26) kept the visitors in check despite Tom Underhill’s 44 which guided his side to 155 all out off 44 overs following a rain interruption.
However, Bank’s renowned bowling attack was again in fine form as Tom Harris, Jake Price, Dan Taylor and Andrzej Jagielski all took two wickets apiece to derail Lichfield, who came up short despite a late flurry from Callum Heanan who made an unbeaten 45 from 44 balls.
Bank now prepare for a crucial Bank Holiday weekend in which they host relegation-battling Sentinel (Shropshire) on Saturday before travelling to current leaders Streetly on Monday.
With five matches remaining, Streetly lead the way on 261 points, with Bank on 254 and Lichfield 245.
