27-05-2025
Fernando hits century as Bartestree & Lugwardine win again
OPENER Saminda Fernando hit a century as Bartestree & Lugwardine recorded a 37-run away win against Himley seconds.
After beating Bromyard the previous weekend Bartestree started with a bang as wicket keeper Fernando led the way, blazing a fast, hard-hitting 109 from 91 balls – including 14 4s and three 6s.
A determined half-century from skipper Ryan Trattell contributed to a total of 256-9 - the wickets down not giving a true picture as four batsmen fell in a mad dash to pile on a few more runs in the last two overs.
Flurries of rain and consultation of Duckworth-Lewis led to Himley chasing a reduced target, but tight bowling and good fielding meant that the visitors were never anywhere near the run rate.
With the ball Owen Beynon took 2-38, while there were also wickets for Thomas O'Connor, Trattell and Edward Webb.
The Bartestree firsts go up a notch to sixth spot in Division 1 and host local rivals Colwall this weekend. Bartestree & Lugwardine seconds hosted Builth Wells in the Worcestershire County League Division Seven (South) - this division now contains a lot of ex-Marches firsts, which makes it a tough one.
Despite wickets for the home side's young bowlers, the experienced Builth batting built a massive 280.
Wicket keeper Sam Pratley was a crucial cog in the seconds' fielding performance taking five catches of the eight wickets gained.
With the ball Ethan Bartlett took 4-60 and Noah Pratley also struck 3-50 in their attack.
Undaunted, the Bartestree response got stuck in, with Chris Tulacz stroking an excellent 68. The final total of 218 would have won most matches, but not today.
The Bartestree seconds' league position does not do justice to their performances so far - small margins could have meant wins several times.
Bartestree bid farewell to Owen Robinson, his jaunty flair and fine cricketing skills will be missed.
Meanwhile, Bartestree thirds completed a 37-run win away at Malvern thirds after posting an impressive target of 266-8, to extended their position at the top of Division Nine Worcestershire South.
Mark Chapman led the way with another big innings of 71, with strong support from Nick Freeman on 49, and notably young Miles Anderson in his first match for the thirds, with 22.
A total of 266 looked like a winning total, but Malvern had a good crack at it, reaching 229.
Three wickets to the spin of young Elliot Gale – the young talent is coming on so well and will soon be knocking on the door of the firsts.
There was jubilation for Bartestree & Lugwardine fourths as they beat Fownhope Strollers by two wickets.
With a credit to the very young players making their start in senior cricket, after learning their craft in our junior teams with our excellent coaches.
The bowling of Avi Singh contributed with 3-9 off 5 overs and 15 runs.
There was also strong support from the more experienced players making it a formidable team.
