With the weather being poor and the track covered most of the week legendary Groundsman Stan-the-man reckoned 150 would be a good score on a green-top here at Brewood on Saturday. He was proved right as ever as we lost the toss and were put in by newly promoted Handsworth and immediately the new ball swung in the damp overcast conditions and jagged around off the pitch. Thommo, Foxy and a rare failure for Captain wonder Pearce and it’s 18 for 3 in no time.

Bradders and Hezza dug in and took it along to 40 odd before Bradders too fell caught behind.The middle order then fell away to a worrying 59 for 7 before Ben Jevons, returning to the fray from football duties, joined Alex, and the two put on fifty odd before Alex fell for 34. Guesty and Will gave Jevo some support before the innings closed on 136, Ben a fine 37 not out at the end. For Handsworth, Clifton Folkes rolled back the years to take 5 for 49 and ensure an optimistic tea for his side.

Unfortunately for Handsworth the conditions also suited Brewood opener Guesty who recorded the even more impressive figures of 5 for 40 off 21 overs as wickets fell regularly in the chase, mostly caught behind or in the slips as the bowler friendly conditions persisted. Still it was close, Handsworth falling all out just 13 runs short on 123.

A second win for the 1s and all important momentum going into a difficult game on Monday against league leaders Barnards Green.

Matt Gibbons – 30/05/2011