CRICKET: BERKSWELL suffered their first defeat of the Birmingham Premier League season against local rivals Knowle and Dorridge in a top of the table clash.
With rain threatening some games across the region, Knowle and Dorridge had no such problems at their ground as the game started with Berkswell winning the toss.
Unsurprisingly, skipper Dominic Ostler won the toss and chose to field.
Knowle and Dorridge made a steady start to their innings as opening batsmen Haley and Phillips put on 48 runs for the opening wicket.
Haley was the first to be sent back to the dressing room as he was caught from the bowling of Milnes.
Phillips departed shortly after with the score on 56.
Jack Grundy starred for the home side with an unbeaten 44 from 90 balls – ensuring Knowle and Dorridge remaining competitive with regards to wickets lost.
Grundy saw partners Reddish (13), Harding (30), and Smith (12) depart as Knowle and Dorridge edged their way towards the 200 mark.
A quick 15 from Tom Smith saw the hosts total 176/5 from their 40 overs – a winnable target for a Berkswell side in plenty of form.
In reply, Berkswell made a disastrious start when openers Mohammmed Ahmed and Mark Best fell cheaply, leaving Berkswell on 29 having lost two wickets.
Chris Whittock managed to hit 32 for Berkswell while fourth batsman Hepburn fell for a duck to leave the score at 41/3.
With stability needed, Berkswell’s batsman failed to build on their initial scores – falling cheaply as Tom Lewis, Thomas Milnes and Nick James all fell for less than double figure scores.
Skipper Dominic Ostler came to the crease with the scores at 64/6, which soon turned to 77/7 and then 88/8.
Ostler was the ninth man to go, falling for 14 runs, while tailenders Ryan Sidebottom and David Brignull did their best to prolong Berkswell’s innings.
However the inevitable happened when Birgnull fell with Berkswell on 121.
Star bowling from Sam Reddish (21/3), Adam William (23/2), and Henry Brookes (29/2) caused the damage.
Berkswll earned just four points while Knowle and Dorridge claimed 20 for the win.
Berkswell are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Barnt Green.
Pictures: Manjit Narotra.
