SKIPPER Stuart Dickenson knows Himbleton are in the midst of a Worcestershire County League Division Two relegation battle following their five-wicket defeat at the hands of Enville.
Although put into bat first on a tricky wicket, Himbleton’s openers Jon Critchlow (53) and Dickenson (21) took full advantage of some wayward bowling to rattle up 76 in just 12 overs.
Dickenson fell to the impressive Zishan Sohail (4-43) before a procession of wickets meant the Meadow Boys stuttered to 142-5.
But thanks to a mature innings from 16-year old Tom Godwin (30) and a late order contribution from his 13-year old brother Will (12), the home side managed to post a competitive total of 198.
Enville set about the chase in brutal fashion with Jon Howells (40) and Alex Craven (21) putting on 63 for the first wicket in ten overs.
Two terrific catches from wicket-keeper Sean Jenkins off the bowling of Mike Rogers (3-27) slowed down the visitor’s charge.
However, a classy knock from Matt Branch (55) and a contrasting, belligerent innings from Gregory Tomkins (64 not out) guided them home with ten overs to spare.
Dickenson reflected: “They simply got the best of the wicket.
“Still, it was a disappointing loss against a team we should be beating with a full strength side.
“The youngsters who came in at the last minute, Tom and Will Godwin, showed maturity beyond their years to help dig us out of hole.
“So that bodes well for the future but we need to focus on our relegation battle with Wormelow this weekend.”
The returning Jamie Alford captains on Saturday in Dickenson’s absence while the Meadow Boys also welcome back Greg Dale, Paul Guy, Rich Pretty and Rich Sugden.
