ALI PRETTY hit an unbeaten century as Worcestershire County League Division Three leaders Himbleton brushed a side third-placed Bartestree & Lugwardine in a comprehensive 216-run victory.
The Meadow Boys opted to bat and never looked back after the early loss of opener Richard Pretty (13).
Brother Alistair (137 not out) and Jon Crithclow (88) added 148 for the second wicket with some brutal boundary hitting as well as intelligent running as the visitors wilted in the autumnal conditions.
Pretty’s knock was a masterclass in how to construct an innings as he built his base before accelerating quickly from 80.
His century came in the 47th over after hitting five sixes from Ryan Trattel’s final two overs which meant the bowler was left with own unfortunate hundred of 1-110.
Critchlow’s earlier dismissal had brought Sean Jenkins (44) to the wicket and he maintained his form with a quick-fire innings including three sixes and five boundaries.
Rob Perrins (16no) helped drive the score beyond 350 as the Meadow Boys finished on 364-5.
Bartestree then had no answer to Himbleton’s seam attack as Perrins (4-42), Sam Jenkins (3-35) and Greg Dale (3-28) ripped through the visitors’ batting line-up, gaining their rewards for weeks of consistency.
The sprightly trio were assisted by some fine catches from the slip cordon as the Meadow Boys never let go of their grip on the game.
Only Wilf Munn (59) resisted the tide before he was smartly snapped up by skipper Stuart Dickenson off Jenkins.
The visitors finally fell for 148 giving Himbleton a massive and well-deserved win.
Himbleton sit 25 points clear of second placed Kempsey who suffered a surprise defeat to Alvechurch & Hopwood.
Bottom-of-the-table Himley are the visitors to the Meadow Boys on Saturday.
