Cricket
Bowlers star as Rugby defeat Warwick

Buy photos » Suj Barhey searches for a wicket as Rugby 3rds tackled Coleshill 3rds on Saturday. (s)

A DEVASTATING bowling display allowed Rugby to claim a comfortable eight-wicket home success against Warwick on Saturday and strengthen their position at the top of Warwickshire League Division One at the same time.

On a damp wicket, captain Matt Ewer put faith in a bowling unit that has been in scintillating form so far this season and were clearly eager to get their side back to winning ways after last weekend's losing draw at Old Edwardians.

For the third time already this season, Riv Monsell took a wicket in his first over and it set the tone for what was to come.

Monswell and Ewer ripped through the top order, claiming the first four wickets for just four runs, leaving the opposition stunned.

In helpful conditions, Rugby's opening attack bowled with accuracy and movement that was virtually unplayable, reducing the visitors to 12-5.

Warwick skipper Ross Briscoe (17) and James Wynn-Evans (8) tried to stop the rot but the introduction of Owen Edwards saw him account for them both, the latter to a great catch by George McKenzie.

Monsell went on to claim four wickets for the fourth time this season, as Warwick were bundled out for 48 from 32 overs.

The wickets were shared among Ewer (3-10), Monsell (4-35) and Edwards (3-2) and Rugby now have the impressive record of taking all 60 available wickets in their six matches for just 569 runs.

With Rugby stalwarts and regular opening duo Charlie Robards and Stu Lloyd still side-lined by injury, a slight shift at the top of the order saw Raj Chohan partner Lee James (16no) at the start of Rugby's reply.

With the wicket proving two-paced, Chohan (6) and Michael Hughes (3) were both out caught trying to drive balls that stopped in the wicket but despite being 20-2 the result was never in any doubt and a couple of sixes from Edwards (20no) saw Rugby wrap up victory in less than 11 overs.

Seven matches into the campaign, Rugby sit 32 points clear at the top of the table and entertain second place Southam next week in what will be a tougher challenge, but a great opportunity to further extend their advantage.

THE 2nds continued their march up the table with a winning draw against Solihull Municipal.

After being invited to bat first, openers Chris Evans (50) and Alan Milsom (66) laid a great foundation for a big score but a monumental batting collapse followed.

Only Henry Parker (12) and Tom Binding (11) made double figures as Ian Hughes (6-29) reduced Rugby to 174ao.

A good bowling performance by Rugby ensured they took the lion's share of the points as the home side hung on for a losing draw at 136-9.

The wickets were shared between Glynn Tapp, Matt Hinks, Rubans and Hugh Cochrane.

A SUCCESSFUL day for the club was completed by the 3rds who overcame Coleshill 3rds by 135-runs.

The increasingly impressive Tom Mitchell (61) continued his rich vein of form, supported by Ash Koria (39) and Suj Barhey (25) in particular, as Rugby compiled 236-9 from their 45 overs.

Sachin Sard knocked over the visitors' top order with the first three wickets and Coleshill never recovered, eventually being bowled out for 101.

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