PERSHORE 2nds claimed their first win of the Worcestershire League Division Two 2nd XI season in dramatic fashion on Saturday as a last wicket partnership of 69 clinched a one-wicket victory over visitors Harborne.
Number ten Darren Critcher made an unbeaten 51 – his first half century for the club – and received fine support from number 11 Paddy Harrison who was 21 not out as their side reached 177-9 off 42.1 overs in reply to the Birmingham outfit’s 174 all out in 40.4 overs.
David Jessop and Charlie Cross both took three wickets for Pershore and Critcher claimed two, but their efforts looked to be fruitless until Pershore’s final pairing saved the day with the bat later in the game.
Pershore 2nds travel to Netherton on Saturday.
MEANWHILE, Pershore’s first team marched on at the top of Division One as they crushed local rivals Harvington by 145 runs at Anchor Lane to earn 20 points.
The visitors posted a huge 329-6 off their 50 overs thanks to Liam Ridings with 85, Chris Ayliffe 66 and Brett Huxley 58, whilst Chris Ridings 36 and Andy Robertson 35 also chipped in.
Spinner Jayden Lennox again showed his class for Harvington with 3-27 off ten overs but no other bowler could keep a lid on the scoring rate.
The chief destroyer with the ball for Pershore was Tim Smith who took 4-25 off nine overs as Harvington – despite 52 from captain Lee Ross and 39 from Dave Waters – were dismissed for 184 in 43 overs.
Pershore, who have 80 points from four matches, host fellow high-flyers Pedmore on Saturday.
