ASTWOOD Bank returned to winning ways in Birmingham League Division Three and leapt up to fourth place in the process with a seven-wicket victory over visitors Brewood.
The 20 points gained keep Bank 21 points behind leaders Lichfield with nine games played heading into Saturday’s visit to rock-bottom Nuneaton, who are yet to win.
Bank’s fifth win of the campaign was a routine one in the end, but only thanks to the heroics of Sam Thomas who made an unbeaten 125.
The visitors made 222 all out including 50 from Richard Bradford, who became one of Tom Harris’ (3-35) victims. Joel Haslam and Andrzej Jagielski took a brace of wickets apiece.
Bank’s reply began poorly and, at 9-2 and with captain Steve Adshead back in the pavilion, the outcome of the match hung in the balance.
However, Thomas then produced a brilliant knock off just 134 balls including seventeen boundaries and two sixes, ably supported by Pete Alexander (40no) as the hosts reached their target in the 47th over.
HUNDREDS packed into the Bank Bowl on Sunday to watch the hosts reach the last 16 of the National Village Cup with a five-wicket victory over Milford Hall.
The Stafford side were put into bat by Bank, captained by Alexander, and amassed a decent 191-8 after a wobbly start. Harris and Jagielski took two wickets each.
In reply, after the early loss of Alex Robinson, Bank recovered to 63-1 as Ryan Blakemore (38) and Thomas (38) looked fluent.
However, after their departures the hosts slipped to 124-5 and the match was finely poised.
Alexander continued his excellent weekend with an unbeaten 68 though to guide his side home in the 38th over.
Warwickshire outfit Fillongley will visit Sambourne Lane in the last 16 on July 9, when another bumper crowd is expected.