SKIPPER Stuart Dickenson felt relief and pride as Himbleton secured their first Worcestershire County League Division Two victory of the season by bursting the bubble of leaders Bromyard.
A commanding total of 316-7 was too much for the visitors as the Meadow Boys claimed victory in rather comprehensive fashion by a margin of 143 runs.
Openers Jon Critchlow (62) and Richard Sugden (63) were in total command as they seized on anything loose to build an opening partnership of 126 in the first 20 overs.
Critchlow was particular ruthless as he raced to his 50 off just 40 balls.
After brief cameos from Ali Pretty (18) and Sean Jenkins (13), the peerless Mike Rogers (63) took up the attack making a fluent half century as Himbleton moved through the gears.
He was ably supported by the middle order of Jamie Alford (24) and Stuart Dickenson (20 not out) who took advantage of a tiring bowling attack to take 90 off the last ten overs.
The final total of 316-7 was particularly impressive given the unpredictable nature of the wicket.
Facing a massive total a confident Bromyard took a cavalier approach to the chase.
It did not pay off as they lost three crucial early wickets as the dangerous Josh Van Rensburg and Edd Oliver fell to Rob Perrins (2-44) without scoring and Zahid Saeed (12) was snapped up by Sam Jenkins (1-45).
However, Nick Leighton (98) batted without fear and struck the ball to all parts in a magnificent singled-handed attempt to win the game for Bromyard.
But the introduction of spinner Sugden (3-36) and pace bowler Rogers (3-19) turned the game in Himbleton’s favour.
Sugden picked up a wicket with his first ball and Rogers recovered from a poor first over to run through the lower order having picked up the key wicket of Leighton, thanks to a steepling catch from Critchlow.
Bromyard were finally dismissed for 173 in the 34th over.
Skipper Dickenson said: “It was a superb team performance.
“Everyone pulled their weight and we thoroughly deserved the win.
“I’m feeling a mixture of relief and pride.
“Relieved the monkey is off our back and we’ve got our first win but mostly I’m proud of the lads who have stuck to the task every game and final got their reward.
“Let’s hope it’s the start of something and not a one-off.”
