HIMBLETON moved to within eight points of Worcestershire County League Division Three leaders Kempsey at the weekend with a seven-wicket victory over relegation-threatened Rushwick.
Winning the toss and electing to field first, the Meadow Boys wasted little time making inroads as the strong top order of the visitors was blown away inside the first eight overs.
Sam Jenkins (3-35) and Rob Perrins (2-21) doing the damage to reduce Rushwick to a precarious 30-5.
Only Stuart Parker (43 not out) showed resistance as he ensured his side reached a three-figure score.
However, like the top order, Rushwick’s tail-enders had no answer to Himbleton’s varied attack.
The height and accuracy of Matt Handford (1-15) claimed a much deserved wicket while Jon Crithclow’s (2-16) gentle swing picked up two more towards the end of the innings.
Extras (25) proved to be the second highest scorer as George Clifton struggled in the conditions and bowled many eight-ball overs.
In reply Himbleton made steady progress.
Richard Pretty (4) fell early doors after edging to first slip before twin brother Alistair Pretty’s poor form continued as he was caught at mid-wicket boundary for only 14.
Critchlow (46) played a calming innings which helped the Meadow Boys recover.
However, when he fell with the score at 67 it was left for last week’s hero Sean Jenkins and the returning skipper Stuart Dickenson to cruise towards the total with both players hitting unbeaten 21s.
Himbleton ended the afternoon on 114-3 in the 17th over.
The Meadow Boys travel to Alvechurch & Hopwood on Saturday.
