HIMBLETON managed to grab the spoils in a thrilling rain-reduced Worcestershire County League Division Two encounter against Enville on Saturday.
With the match shortened to 30 overs, the Meadow Boys walked away with a winning draw as their hosts fell just two runs short of victory.
Himbleton were asked to bat first as Enville sought to get the upper hand in bowler friendly conditions.
The early loss of both openers left Himbleton reeling at 24-2 from ten overs but a determined counter attack from Ali Pretty (38) and Sean Jenkins (90 not out) took the hosts by surprise.
Even at 71-2 from 19 overs a total of 140 looked out of reach.
However, Jenkins seized control and he went on to smash 90 from just 68 balls including eight boundaries and four sixes.
Playing majestically throughout he was ably supported by Pretty and the returning Jon Critchlow (21) as they all made hay in the afternoon gloom.
Himbleton closed on a massive 181-4.
Enville’s reply began at a pace but they lost regular wickets, mainly to the ever impressive Rob Perrins (3-39).
With ten overs to go Enville were 83-4, leaving the match evenly poised.
Even against the nagging accuracy of Mike Rogers (1-54) and Jamie Alford, the hosts big hitters Spencer Mann (58no) and Mitch Jones (50no) somehow bludgeoned 88 from the next nine overs, making use of the short boundary on one side.
Sam Jenkins was entrusted with the final over with 12 needed for victory.
A boundary, a hard run three and a scampered single between two dot balls left four required for the win.
Jones could only miss-hit the last ball towards the boundary and the two taken left them two short and gave Himbleton a well-earned winning draw.
Skipper Stuart Dickenson said: “I don’t need that [kind of game] every week.
“It was an impressive game given the conditions.
“Sean Jenkins batted magnificently, he played some outstanding shots and he deserved to be part of the team that came out on top.
“It was a thrilling game and full marks to the Enville’s groundsman for getting the pitch playable.
“We’ve played two top sides now and it’s really tested our mettle.
“But this team is full of competitors willing to give everything and team spirit couldn’t be higher.”
Himbleton make the trip to Wormelow on Saturday.
