SKIPPER Waqas Ali asked his batsman to raise their game after some indifferent performances and was rewarded with a much better display as Redditch recorded a winning draw at home to Whitchurch on Saturday.
Opener Tom Field provided the innings of the day in Birmimgham League Division Three with 123 from 150 balls in an innings which included 17 fours and two sixes.
He helped Redditch to 250-9 off 54 overs but Whitchurch ‘s eighth-wicket pair thwarted the Kingfishers’ victory push.
After being inserted at at Bromsgrove Road, Redditch started in a positive fashion, adding 77 for the first wicket with a quickfire 40 from Rizwan Chaudry, fellow opener Tom Field built a magnificent innings and received great support from Stefan Jagielski (32) as Redditch finished on 250-9.
Ijaz Yousaf took 5-55 for the visitors.
In reply, two early wickets put Redditch in control but opener Salim Anmhmed steadied the ship with 41.
Redditch continued to chip away with wickets but a fine partnership of 64 for the eighth wicket between Daniel and Eliot Bowen left Whitchurch on 198-7 at stumps to give Redditch 16 points and a winning draw.
Waqas Ali enjoyed a good day with the ball taking 4-63.
Tomorrow (Saturday), Redditch travel to Milford Hall.
The Seconds had a similar story away at Streetly, coming away with a winning draw in 2nd XI Division Two South.
Batting first, the Kingfishers amassed 212-8 with Yasser Altar scoring 110 with contributions from Marlon Lokenath (33) and Nick Fowkes (20).
Jhangir Hussain took 4-32 for the home side.
In reply a fine 46 from wicketkeeper Haseeb Hussain saw Streetly finish on 189-8 with Mohammed Zahid impressing with 3-32 and Haleem Basharat 3-38.
Tomorrow, Dorridge visit Bromsgrove Road.
Both matches involving the Thirds and Fourths last week were off due to different reasons. The Thirds’ home fixture in Worcestershire League Division Five against Cutnall Green was abandoned due to overnight rain and the Fourths’ Division Eight North fixture away at Pedmore was conceded by Pedmore.
Tomorrow, the Thirds are at home to Harborne 5ths and the Fourths travel to Coombs Wood.
