HIMBLETON returned to winning ways at the weekend as they beat local rivals Avoncroft by 33 runs in a low-scoring Worcestershire County League Division Three encounter.
After being put into bat, the Meadow Boys recovered from 61-6 in the 22nd over to reach 158.
Croft’s Paul Athey rolled back the years as his first spell of bowling rewarded him with four of Himbleton’s top five.
Athey produced identical gems to remove the inform Richard Pretty for a duck and Jamie Alford (14).
Jon Critchlow (7) looked hard done by as he was adjudged leg-before from the swing bowling of Jonathan Hunter (3-54).
Alistair Pretty (10) failed for the first time this season as he was caught behind the stumps after a mistimed hook.
Sean Jenkins (44) and debutant Rob Perrins (30) posted some respectability back to the score as they put on 53 for the seventh wicket.
Sam Jenkins then showed he had resilience to his game by hitting an unbeaten 16 as the home side scrapped their way past the 150 mark.
Himbleton were finally out for 158 with Athey claiming his fifth wicket of the match.
In reply a confident looking Himbleton side took little time in making their mark as they removed Croft’s top order within six overs.
Perrins (2-36) got his first wicket for the club as he cleaned up Daniel Elliot for just 15 before Sam Jenkins claimed three wickets within two overs to give the villagers the advantage.
First he removed David Anson (1) before claiming the scalp of danger man Craig Hughes for a duck after Rickey Pretty dived full length in the gully to claim the catch.
Jenkins then trapped Mark Wood (0) leg-before moments later.
Mike Rogers (2-17) cleaned out Matt Hare (33) and Mark Whitehead (5) while George Clifton (2-19) made two smart catches to leave Croft in trouble on 73-6.
Clifton then claimed back-to-back wickets with the visitors on 82-8.
The Meadow Boys remained patient and it was only a matter of time before Paul Guy (1-11) removed the resilient Tom Murray for 22.
Perrins then claimed the final wicket of Andy Pittam (2) to gift Himbleton what seemed an unlikely victory.
Third placed Himbleton travel to second placed Bartestree & Lugwardine on Saturday.
