LEADERS Berkswell were forced to settle for a winning draw against Kidderminster in Birmingham & District Premier Division One, despite hitting 230-5 in a match reduced to 21 overs per side.
With rain affecting the start of the game, the overs allotted to each side were reduced, though Berkswell set a scoring rate of over ten runs per over.
Opener Ateeq Javid (97) was inching towards a century before being caught by Neil Pinner from Connor Smith’s ball.
He enjoyed a second-wicket partnership of 105 with Daniel Mousley (56), while Chris Whittock (39 not out) hit 52 alongside Thomas Milnes (16 not out) to finish off their innings.
Kidderminster had a tough task to repeat the host’s success at the bat, and instead seeked to avoid defeat.
Despite losing five wickets, they did just that, taking a losing draw and seven points on the board.
Shameer Ahmed was the visitor’s top scorer with 34, whilst Nick James (2-10) and Milnes (2-17) both took a couple of wickets each as Kidderminster finished their innings on 64-5.
Despite not claiming maximum points, Berkswell extended their lead at the top of the table to 33 points, and next visit fifth-placed Walsall at Gorway Road on Saturday (noon), before hosting Barnt Green the following day in the T20 Challenge Cup semi-final (2pm).