Express & Star

Wombourne survive a scare to progress

Wombourne survived a mid-innings wobble to book their place in the next round of the South Staffs County League First Team Knockout.

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Wombourne survive a scare to progress

The Premier Division leaders appeared to be cruising to victory at Penkridge as openers Dan Bassett and Laurence Pickin headed towards a century-stand in pursuit of the hosts’ total of 139-9.

But the introduction of Mohammed Ishtiaq into the attack checked their progress.

He struck to remove Bassett for 51 with the score on 99 and then claimed three more wickets, including Pickin (47) to reduced Wombourne to 109-4.

But Jack Hussey then struck an unbeaten 22 to see the visitors across the line with five balls remaining.

Beacon joined their neighbours in the next round after an 83-run success at Division One outfit Old Wulfrunians.

Batting first, Opener Ash Hartshorn made 39 for Beacon but they were indebted to an unbroken fifth-wicket stand between Dan Vernon and Ollie Green that powered them to 188-4 from their 20 overs.

Green struck four sixes and three fours as he made 53 from 32 balls while Vernon hit 47 from 29 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes.

In reply, Chris Fullowed ended 54 not out as Wulfs were restricted to 105-9. Spinners Ben Robinson and Archie Harris bagged three wickets each.

Pelsall also progressed. They scored 129-9 against Whittington and then kept their hosts to 117-8.