HIMBLETON’s stand-in skipper Jamie Alford said the second innings bowling display by his side massively atoned for an under-par effort at the bat, as Himbleton won by 96 runs against Himley Seconds in Worcestershire County League Division Two.
After being bowled out for 211, Himbleton responded superbly to dismiss Himley for just 115 in 31 overs, much in part to hat-tricks for the Jenkins duo of Sean (3-3) and Sam (3-19), and a brace for Rob Perrins (2-22).
The result moves the Meadow Boys up to fifth in the table, ahead of visiting Lye – who are joint top – on Saturday (1pm).
Alford admitted that he was left frustrated by what he saw from his side in the first innings.
“At the halfway stage I was very disappointed, angry almost,” he said.
“We had left a lot of runs out there and we hadn’t used all our overs, and realised we had to bowl extremely well early on.
“Thankfully Rob (Perrins) and Greg Dale stood up to the plate and bowled superbly.”
He attributed the win to the top-order bowlers who kept Himley’s total down and forced them into errors later in their innings.
“The pressure they created allowed the change bowlers to take advantage of Himley’s need to up the pace.
“It was great to see Sean Jenkins grab a hat-trick but he needs to thank Rob, Greg and Sam for creating the situation.”
Himbleton were in a precarious position at 56-3, but Jenkins and Stuart Dickenson’s match-winning partnership of 70 put the hosts back on track.
Hassan Ahmed took an impressive 6-46 for the visitors, though he was unable to stop Jem Rose (31) from hitting four balls into the boundary and two sixes during his stint at the crease.
Himbleton’s second XI were in action at Ombersley Thirds, but lost by six-wickets in the Division Nine clash.
After being put into bat by the hosts, the Meadow Boys struggled after losing three early wickets, but were helped by the 40 put on by William (19) and Tom Godwin (34).
But despite Ben Tanner hitting 25, the rest of the tailenders were unable to contribute to a similar level, as Himbleton were out for 129.
George Clifton made his presence known in the second innings by taking 3-19, though Andy Street remained the only other bowler to take a wicket.
Ben Hallam (48 not out) and Jacob Morgan-Iqbal (44) put on 73, helping Ombersley win the game off the 200th ball.
Himbleton next host Himley Seconds on Saturday (1pm).
