Cricket
Rugby 2nds hit top spot

ANOTHER week and another washout for Rugby CC 1sts who continue to top the Warwickshire League Division One table by 29 points.

The 3rds, who are second in 3rd XI Division Two East, were also left kicking their heels but the news was better for the 2nds who entertained Aston Unity in Division Two 2nd XI and ran out seven-wicket victors.

The comfortable victory sees the 2nds emulate the 1sts by topping the table and was just reward for sterling early morning work from to prepare the ground by skipper Keith Bradbury and a host of volunteers.

Bradbury chose to bowl first when the coin fell in his favour and Neal McGrath immediately caused problems from the Pavilion End as the openers repeatedly played and missed against his swing and seam.

They also struggled against Matt Hinks who soon had Sprason caught at mid off and bowled Miller to start the steady fall of wickets.

McGrath’s immaculate lines paid off as he bowled opener Wordley before Fanning shone briefly, smashing 12 off a Hinks over, but McGrath joined the party, pinning him lbw and quickly followed it up by having Kirk caught behind.

Rugby had reduced their visitors to 44-5 after 20 overs with McGrath returning fantastic figures of 3-13 off ten overs and Hinks supported well with 2-30 off ten overs.

The change bowling was just as effective with Adam Milsom (2-10) and Andy Ward (2-18) giving nothing away. Milsom took wickets with a slower ball and another catch to Evans whilst Ward tantalised the tail with tight left arm spin.

The tail at least offered some resistance, adding 30, but the innings ended in the 40th over with the score at a mere 74.

Rugby were as good in the field as they were poor the previous week, with special mention for Ash Koria in the covers and tremendous commitment from Glynn Tapp and Ed Pell.

The pitch was still offering something to the seamers as Rugby started their reply and they began poorly with Tom Binding being yorked by Darius Potten-Ravenshed for 2.

Pell was then bowled through the gate for 6 and when Hugh Cochrane was also bowled by the persevering Matt Hart (2-24) Rugby had slipped to 27-3.

That was to be their last alarm though as, with rain threatening, Chris Evans unleashed a variety of pulls and drives, racing to an imperious 41no, well supported by skipper Bradbury (11no).

Rugby reached the winning total in the 17th over, with the 20 point haul taking them top of the league by six points.

Regional sport »