Jamie Lunn grabs his opening chance

The stand-in opener produced a stand-out performance as he stroked his way to a brilliant 175 during the Staffs Clubs Premier Division leaders’ latest victory.

Lunn, who is better known for opening the bowling, stepped up the order a few weeks ago due to a shortage of options. And after showing some signs of promise, he repaid captain Matt Tonks’ faith with his maiden league century, sharing a superb 251-run first-wicket partnership with Richard Bradford along the way.

“We were missing an opener for the game at Cannock a few weeks ago and I stepped in,” said Lunn.

“Our skipper, Matt Tonks, thought I had looked OK in a couple of games and said he would give me a chance. It was nice to repay him with some runs.

“I had only scored one league half-century before and that was when I played for Himley, although I had reached three figures in a Sunday game.

“Richard and I knew if we got through the first few overs against the new ball then things would get easier. So we got our heads down and batted properly and were then able to kick on.”

Bradford eventually fell for 72 while Lunn, who took 120 balls to reach three figures, opened up in style before falling for 175 from 148 balls, including 22 fours and nine sixes, as Brewood posted 346-6.

As has been the case throughout this season, one of Brewood’s spinners then took centre stage to help seal victory with John Redrup picking up 4-37 as Bloxwich made 247-9 in reply.

Opener John Darby top-scored for the visitors with 71 while John Ackrill Jnr made 44 and Suhail Rashid 30.

The victory leaves Brewood 28 points clear at the top going into Saturday’s crunch clash away to second-placed Beacon, the only side to have beaten the Deansfield men so far this season.

“The win has given us a bit or breathing space with games against Beacon and Whittington to follow,” added Lunn.

“Beacon is the only game we have lost and that’s the only game we have failed to failed in.

“But I don’t think Saturday is about gaining revenge, It’s about making sure we perform.

“We know if we do that then we will have a great chance of coming out on top.”