HIMBLETON returned to winning ways in Worcestershire County League Division Three with a comprehensive 111-run victory over Malvern.
The win for the promotion-hunting Meadow Boys keeps them second in the table and moves them 30 points ahead of third-placed Bartestree & Lugwardine.
Opting to bat first, Himbleton amassed a commanding 310-7 built around an impressive partnership between skipper Stuart Dickenson (101) and opener Jon Critchlow (92).
Coming together at a precarious 78-3, the pair took the attack to the visitors in a stand of 164 in just 24 overs.
Dickenson was the dominant partner as he struck 18 boundaries and two maximums in a belligerent 63-ball hundred.
Critchlow’s innings was more measured but equally important as it allowed the Meadow Boys to build a total around him.
Dickenson’s dismissal led to a small flurry of wickets before Luke Brace (ten not out) and Rob Perrins (11no) scampered the home side beyond 300.
In response, Malvern had no answer to their old boy Perrins.
Fired up against his previous club, Perrins produced a devastating spell where he claimed five wickets for 14 runs at the top of the innings before finishing with 5-37.
Back to his best, he bowled some unplayable deliveries as he clean bowled James Arnold (0), David Cox (28) and Luke Hallion (1) while Anthony Arnold (0) and Lewis Hill (40) were caught behind.
Well supported by a luckless Sam Jenkins (1-30), the opening bowling pair reduced Malvern to 44-6.
A very entertaining and powerful 74 from Tom Fairclough gave Malvern hope but two needless run-outs put a stop to the late charge and they were finally dismissed for 199.
Himbleton travel to Netherton on Saturday captained by Jamie Alford in the absence of Dickenson.
