Cricket: Lichfield reach 200 points

Aug 4 2010 by Brian Halford, Birmingham Mail

LICHFIELD reached 200 points for the season with a haul of 24 from a 69-run victory over Sutton Coldfield.

It was a win earned principally by the bowlers after Lichfield’s batting unit posted only 176.

Sarginson then struck an immediate blow when Sutton replied, Van Galen followed up with three for 28 and Stephens’ burst of four for nine in six overs sent the visitors all out for 107.

Leaders Eastnor were held to a draw by Oswestry. Hussain’s 86 lifted Eastnor to 236 but they found Oswestry opener Pasha a tough nut to crack and he was still there at the end, unbeaten on 77, when 55 overs elapsed with his side 197 for seven.

Fordhouses missed the chance to fully capitalise on the leader’s draw as they too had to settle for a winning draw, against Olton &WW. In reply to Fordhouses’ 249 for seven Olton were 186 for seven at the close.

Penn took closer order in third after a six-wicket home win over Studley. The visitors totalled a respectable 220 for eight thanks mainly to a lower-order 52 from Nazir. It wasn’t enough to stretch ther home side, though, and they reached 226 for four in the 51st over as Murray struck 92 and Bradford 88.

Coleshill stay fourth after a four-wicket win which leaves Bablake Old Boys looking over their shoulders at the bottom three. Ali and Pollock took three wickets apiece to reduce the OBs to 129 all out. Coleshill eased to 133 for six in the 44th over, Arthurton 42 not out.

Pershore strengthened their position in lower mid-table at the expense of Brewood who remain marooned at the bottom following a seven-wicket defeat.

Pierce certainly did his bit for Brewood with a century in his team’s total of 180 all out.

There were three wickets apiece for Dalley and Bird. Taylor, with 49, ensured there was some solidity to Pershore’s reply and then Sanders, with an unbeaten 79, took up the cudgels to steer his side to 181 for three in the 47th over.