"Himbleton must maintain fighting spirit" says skipper Sugden - The Droitwich Standard

"Himbleton must maintain fighting spirit" says skipper Sugden

Droitwich Editorial 24th Jul, 2019   0

SKIPPER Richard Sugden says Saturday’s defeat was an opportunity lost, as Himbleton fell to a five-wicket defeat at Brockhampton Seconds in Worcestershire County League Division Two.

Stuart Dickenson hit a top score of 70 for the Meadow Boys, but Himbleton’s inability to recover from a middle order collapse cost them dearly, managing a 204-8 total that was beaten by the hosts in the 45th over.

Sugden urges his side to keep fighting for every point, and is adamant that the wins will follow.

“At 170-2 after 35 overs, we let a commanding position slip through our fingers and we struggled to defend 200 on a good wicket,” he said.




“The league is extremely tight with fewer than 40 points between 4th and 10th.

“We want to keep playing smart cricket and maintain the fighting spirit I’ve been so proud of so far this season.”


Batting first after Brockhampton elected to field, Himbleton impressed with an opening stand of 55 between Dickenson and Sugden (15) – who was caught off the bowling of Alex Lovell (4-25) for the first wicket.

Dickenson continued to smash balls into the boundary at regular intervals, and was ably supported by number Alastair Pretty (44).

However, their dismissals by Glyn Harrhy (3-19) brought a halt to Himbleton’s momentum, with the middle order failing to revive the innings.

Harrhy and Lovell combined to take 7 wickets for just 43 runs conceded in total, but were unable to prevent tailender Rob Perrins (15no) from clambering the visitors over the 200-run mark.

Brockhampton started their spell at the crease slowly, batting with caution against dangerous bowlers Greg Dale and Perrins.

Momentum eventually began to develop as middle order duo Max Foster (41) and George Mokler (58no) found their rhythm.

Their batting displays instantly made life more difficult for the Meadow Boys who had to contend without Jamie Alford – who dislocated a finger during an attempted catch.

Combining with number seven Caleb Kent (19no), Mokler was able to guide the hosts to victory.

Himbleton now look to bounce back when hosting Bromsgrove Seconds on Saturday (1pm).

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