SEAMER Rob Perrins produced a career-best of 7-65 to propel Himbleton to a hard-earned 33-run victory over Bartestree & Lugwardine in Worcestershire County League Division Two.
Operating in tandem with the rhythmical Sam Jenkins (1-54) the pair helped turn the game the way of the Meadow Boys by reducing the confident Herefordshire visitors from 177-5 to 220 all out in a match-defining spell of seam bowling.
Earlier, Himbleton posted a par score of 253 with Ali Pretty continuing to excel with a fine 94 bringing him his sixth score over 50 this season.
His partnership of 100 with belligerent captain Stuart Dickenson (70) defined the hosts’ innings, taking them from 107-3 to 207-4 in just 14 overs. However, Bartestree’s Marcus Ashcroft (5-64) and Ryan Trattell (5-87) triggered a middle order collapse taking the last five wickets for just 20 runs.
Early wickets put Himbleton on top but a fine innings from Wilf Munn (89) kept the visitors in the hunt.
Andy Jones (42) and Paul Monteath (23) supported the stylish Munn but Perrins and Jenkins returned to slow the run rate causing wickets to fall as they both caused different problems for the batsman.
Perrins second spell brought him 4-27 from six overs while the miserly Jenkins took 1-25 in a fine ten over spell.
The win took Himbleton clear of the relegation zone with five games to play.
Skipper Dickenson said: “It was a great team performance. We found ourselves in a few big holes during the game but we showed a lot of spirit to dig ourselves out of them.
“I’m so pleased for Perrins. He’s not had a lot of luck this season so he thoroughly deserved to be rewarded like that.
“Although Jenkins only got one wicket the way he bowled brought pressure at the other end which Rob was able to exploit.
“Pretty was imperious once again and should have got another century.”
Himbleton travel to Bredon on Saturday looking to continue their good late season form.
