ASTWOOD Bank captain Steve Adshead heaped praise on bowler Dan Taylor who took 6-17 off ten overs on his opening first team appearance of the season to guide the Sambourne Lane side to their first victory of the Birmingham League Division Three campaign.
Taylor was well supported by Andrzej Jagielski who took 3-24 as Bank dismissed Shropshire visitors Newport for 139 inside 39 overs in defence of a total of 187.
Adshead said: “It’s pleasing to bag that first win after a couple of narrow DLS defeats. I wouldn’t say it’s a relief, as we’ve played some good cricket so far, but it has given the lads a big confidence boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Aston Manor.
“We knew the first win was just around the corner and, after playing well with the bat in the first couple of games, it was pleasing to see the bowlers win us a game.
“It was a phenomenal effort from Dan Taylor and the best I’ve seen him bowl. He really took his opportunity well and AJ (Jagielski) was AJ, as effective as ever.
“We’ve got a couple of fitness tests ahead of this weekend but whatever team we field I am confident we can maintain our momentum if we play to our potential.”
Bank, for whom Sam Thomas top scored with 42, were also victorious in the Davidstow Village Cup Worcestershire Group quarter-final on Sunday as they defeated hosts Feckenham by eight wickets.
Jagielski took 5-26 as the hosts were dismissed for 88 and in reply Tom Pedley struck 52 off just 29 balls to guide Bank to 92-2 off just 11.1 overs.
IT WAS a Saturday to savour for Bank as all fives teams enjoyed victories.
Bank 2nds gained their first win of the Division One 2nd XI campaign as they beat Barnt Green by 12 runs.
Ryan Blakemore and Dave Price put 50 on for the opening partnership before two quickfire wickets brought Pete Alexander (41) and Andy Williams (65no) to the crease and went about increasing the run rate and, when Pete was caught behind, Andy Alexander came to the crease and scored a quickfire 66 as Bank finished on 275-5.
Barnt Green started well but Isa Zaroo (2-53) and Mark Richardson (1-39) took early wickets to stem their progress before Steve Haines (2-32) and Ryan Blakemore (2-37) came into the attack and bowled well on a flat deck as Barnt Green eventually finished on 263-9.
Bank 2nds are at home to Attock on Saturday.
Bank 3rds returned from Himley with a three-wicket victory in Worcestershire League Division Four.
Having won the toss, the home side decided to bat on a firm wicket and a smallish outfield. They scored freely for the first ten overs until the introduction of George Haslam (3-29) and Josh Baker (4-67) resulted in wickets falling at regular intervals.
At the halfway stage Himley were 108-5 but a tight spell from Jess Humby helped restrict the run rate in the middle overs until Dan Brookes (2-38) returned to the attack and, along with Baker, managed to bowl out Himley for 211 off the final ball of their innings.
Bank lost an early wicket but Paul Boycott (52) helped Andy Clayton (48) put on 62 for the second wicket until Clayton holed out to mid-on two short of his half century.
A 63-run partnership between Boycott and Paul Baker (25) put the visitors in a strong position but a flurry of wickets left Bank needing 37 off seven overs with four wickets left.
The big-hitting Haslam (17no) hit consecutive sixes and, when another wicket fell, Brookes (15no) came to the wicket and finished the game with three consecutive boundaries.
The 3rds host Five Ways Old Edwardians on Saturday.
Bank 4ths enjoyed an 84-run victory over visitors Himley at Hanbury in Division Four 2nd XI.
Bank were reduced to 95-6 off 34 overs but reached 146 all out thanks to some big hitting from Isaam Ahmed (28).
Bank were superb in the field as the visitors were dismissed for just 62, with Flynn Duggan producing two run outs and Jacob Short and Ahmed grabbing two wickets apiece.
The 4ths visit leaders Himbleton on Saturday.
Bank 5ths were awarded victory when their opponents conceded the fixture.
