REDDITCH Entaco’s 1st and 2nd teams head into Saturday’s opening Worcestershire League games in buoyant mood following victories in their final pre-season friendlies.
New captain Russell Southwick leads the Kingfishers’ first team into battle at home to Eastnor in Division One on the back of a 50-run win over Earlswood.
Redditch scored 216-9 off 45 overs as Ghulam Moyhuddin led the way with 52 not out and there was support lower down the order from Haris Ali (38) and Noman Choudry (25).
Lewis Harrison (4-34) and Matt Edwards (3-32) were the pick of the Earlswood bowling.
In reply, Earlswood lost early wickets and never recovered as Redditch took wickets at the right time.
Only a valiant 42 from Karl Everett offered any resistance as Waqas Ali (3-25) and Tom Phelan (3-35) did the damage in Earlswood’s score of 166.
The 2nds, who open their Division One 2nd XI campaign at Eastnor, enjoyed another good day at Feckenham.
The Kingfishers scored 220-8 off 45 overs as Geoff Eley led the way with 57. Skipper Asif Mukhtar chipped in with 33 and all-rounder Marlon Lokenath added a quickfire 30. Matt Grubb took 3-39 for the Millers.
Feckenham struggled with the bat and succumbed to just 101 all out as opener Joe Davis top scored with 31 not out.
Kevin Lokenath, Marlon Lokenath and Raheem Basharat took three wickets apiece.
FECKENHAM, newly-promoted with Redditch Entaco, begin their Division One season at home to Cookley, whilst ALVECHURCH & HOPWOOD host Astwood Bank in Division Three.
STUDLEY begin their Warwickshire League Premier Division season at Olton & West Warwickshire.
