HIMBLETON were denied in their quest to make it four wins in a row in Worcestershire County League Division Two as well as a season double over their hosts as the rain fell at fourth-placed Bromyard on Saturday.
Rich Sugden (103 not out) and Ali Pretty (106) completely dominated the host’s bowling attack in a second-wicket partnership of 216, driving the Meadow Boys to a formidable 287-2 before the weather finally won the day eight balls shy of a complete first innings.
Rich Pretty (25) was dismissed after some early fireworks in an opening partnership of 41 with Sugden.
Brother Ali then joined Sugden and the pair were ruthless, with stoic defence of the good balls and glorious attacking play when the bowlers fired down loose deliveries.
Pretty reached his fifth century of the season, and his second in two weeks, off 102 balls including 11 boundaries and four huge sixes.
He now has 991 runs for the season at an average of 66 and the Meadow Boys are hoping he can garner a further nine runs in the final game against Droitwich tomorrow (Saturday) to reach the magic 1,000 for the season.
Sugden was in no way the junior partner as he completed his first century of the summer off 140 balls with ten fours and three sixes.
His innings was a perfect display of how to open the batting as he saw off the opening bowlers before making hay later as the bowlers and fielders tired.
A final total of around 300 would have been more than competitive and Himbleton will be feeling aggrieved at not having the chance to complete another win.
Captain Stuart Dickenson said: “Having been put in on a wicket which gave the bowlers plenty of help in damp, cloudy conditions I was mightily impressed with the way Suggy and Ali went about their business.
“The pair complement each other really well and it was a joy to watch.
“I’m pleased Suggy reached his ton from the ball before we came off for rain, his innings deserved a hundred.
“And we’ll all have everything crossed for Ali on Saturday.
“Reaching the milestone of 1,000 runs at this standard would be a tremendous achievement.”
