REDDITCH Entaco got their Worcestershire League Division Two title challenge back on track with a convincing 151-run victory at home to Coombs Wood on Saturday.
It was a key game for the Kingfishers who, despite topping the table, had suffered successive defeats and knew another loss would bring their fourth placed visitors right into the title race.
However, such an outcome was never on the cards as Greg Chinn’s side collected 20 points to move 27 points clear of second placed Chaddesley Corbett who were beaten by five wickets at Worcester Dominies and Guild.
Chinn won the toss and chose to bat and the batsmen delivered as Rizwan Choudry (51), Russell Southwick (48), Chinn (47) and Yassar Altaf (42) all impressed in a total of 285-9.
In reply Coombs Wood lost early wickets and never recovered as spinner Tom Field (5-39) and Waqas Ali (2-14) did the damage and the visitors were all out for 134 in the 34th over.
On Saturday Redditch host relegation-threatened Bredon as the league format reverts back to the win/lose/draw format for the remainder of the season.
Elsewhere, the 2nds enjoyed a narrow eight-run victory at Coombs Wood in Division One 2nd XI.
Teenager Marlon Lokenath led the way with 122 and was ably supported by Abdul Jabbar (44) as Redditch posted 269 all out.
Aleem Shahid had an excellent 2nd XI debut as he took 4-51 as Coombs Wood were dismissed for 261 off 49.4 overs.
On Saturday Geoff Eley’s third placed side travel to lowly Netherton.
Redditch 3rds and 4ths both lost to Droitwich in Division Five and Division Five 2nd XI respectively.
Faizan Ahmed (86) continued his excellent form with the bat as the 3rds were bowled out for 172 at Entaco before Droitwich prevailed by six wickets.
It was a similar story for the 4ths who could only muster 134 as hosts Droitwich comfortably ran out nine-wicket winners.
The 3rds visit Enville on Saturday and the 4ths host the same opposition.
