Dartmouth fall at final hurdle in search for silver

After easing through their regional group with nine wins from 10 outings to book their place in the semi-finals, the Sandwell Park oufit had hopes of ending a truncated campaign with piece of silverware to show for their efforts.

But those hopes were dashed at the final hurdle at the weekend when, after easing past Shifnal in a last-four clash, they were beaten by Barnt Green in the Trophy shootout.

Saturday’s semi-final at home to Shifnal proved to be a fairly routine affair as an impressive all-round team display saw Dartmouth triumph by five wickets.

After asking the visitors to bat first, Dartmouth struck two early blows to reduce them to 11-2.

Worcestershire skipper Joe Leach (65) and opener James James Sookias (48) led a fightback with a 77-run third-wicket stand.

Former Worcestershire and England man Kabir Ali then helped turn the game Dartmouth’s way.

He removed Sookias on his way to recording figures of 5-28 as Shifnal were dismissed for 191 in the 39th over. Aatif Ali (3-43) provided support with the ball.

A 75-run opening stand between Ismail Mohammed (36) and Omar Ali (50) then set Dartmouth on their way.

Valeed Butt (41) and Shahzeb Raja (31 not out) helped Dartmouth complete the job.

But unfortunately for Dartmouth their batting failed to fire in Sunday’s final against Barnt Green at Moseley CC.

An impressive spell from opening bowler Andrew Sutton (3-18) put Dartmouth on the back foot with Omar Ali (45) the only top order batsman to pass 20.

Robbie Shurmer (3-9) kept the pressure on and Dartmouth were indebted to Manraj Johal (28) and skipper Ian Stevenson (22 not out), batting at nine and 10 respectively, for getting them up to 137.

Johal then removed Warwickshire’s Ed Pollock with just one run on the board at the start of Barnt Green’s reply.

Shahzeb Raja chipped in with 3-28 as Barnt Green stuttered to 65-4 but Ben Chapman-Lilley (54 not out) and William Baker (25) took the game away from Dartmouth.