A THIRD successive defeat for Himbleton in Worcestershire County League Division Two means the Meadow Boys have not yet confirmed their survival after an agonising one-wicket loss at Enville.
However, a defeat for fellow strugglers Brockhampton Seconds means that Himbleton’s safety is all but assured, heading into the penultimate fixture of the season against leaders Ombersley on Saturday (12.30pm).
Batting first after the hosts elected to field, Richard Sugden (8) and Luke Brace (0) failed to get the Meadow Boys up and running, but were helped by the arrival of Mike Rogers (16) and Stuart Dickenson (27) at number three and four respectively.
Despite failing to build a commanding score during their time at the crease, Jamie Alford (31) at least made an impact when smashing a top score for his side.
But as with many of Himbleton’s defeats this season, the collapse of their middle order left the visitors scrambling for runs.
Tailender Sam Jenkins (13) helped the cause somewhat, but a score of 125 was ultimately not enough to trouble the hosts.
In reply, Enville started slowly after Rob Perrins (4-24) skittled out the opening three batsman, until the arrival of number four Spencer Mann (23) boosted the hosts’ challenge.
He was eventually run out by the emphatic Perrins, but had number seven Mitch Jones (39no) to thank for taking over the mantle and firing the brunt of the runs in an unbeaten spell at the crease.
While Sam Jenkins (2-36) and co. did their utmost to disrupt Enville’s quest to win the match, Trevor Spears’ (10no) arrival at number 11 was just what the hosts needed with defeat looking a possibility.
Jones and Spears fired the remaining runs needed to earn victory, despite being under immense pressure with nine wickets having already been claimed.
