Warwickshire League - Moseley Ashfield crowned champions

Sep 17 2008 by Nick Pullen, Birmingham Mail

WARWICKSHIRE LEAGUE

MOSELEY Ashfield returned to the ranks of Birmingham League cricket next season following a three-year absence after being crowned Warwickshire champions.

Ashfield snatched the title thanks to a two-wicket win over Handsworth, edging out Nuneaton by a point while luckless Fillongley finished a further two points adrift in third place.

The outcome was tough on Fillongley who started the day in top spot.

But their proposed clash with Kenilworth had to be called off without a ball being bowled and that opened the door for their rivals.

Moseley Ashfield were made to struggle by Handsworth in a restricted contest.

Set to chase a modest total of 118 for nine, Ashfield scraped home on 121 for eight but not before the experienced Clifton Foulkes had claimed five for 36.

The 20 points obtained was just enough to keep Nuneaton at bay, who maintained their challenge to the end after overwhelming already-relegated Old Edwardians by nine wickets.

In another reduced-overs affair, Eds posted 97 for six, Nuneaton responding on 98 for one.

Highlight of the day was provided by Southam’s Mark Eden, who struck 116 as he helped pile on the runs against Kings Heath.

Southam reached 326 for nine and then rolled Kings Heath out for 119 to record a 207-run success.

Warwick were runaway winners of Division One after rounding off their camapign with a five-wicket victory over Wishaw.

As a result, Warwick were promoted to the Premier Division along with runners-up Pickwick Post and Mail, replacing Old Eds and North Warwickshire, who are relegated.