Astwood Bank hopes hit by weather

The Sambourne Lane side threw themselves a relegation lifeline last Saturday with a compelling eight-wicket win over Kings Heath.

But the Bank’s prospects of following up with a Bank Holiday beating of Aston Manor were washed away by the wet weather.

That was after the Bank appeared to be on course for victory, having bowled Manor out for a modest total of 144.

They had responded by reaching 24 without loss from just 2.4 overs when the game was abandoned.

Frustrated Bank skipper Steve Adshead admitted: “We were confident of winning that game, but you can’t do anything about the British weather.”

Adshead had proved in imperious form with the bat against Kings Heath by scoring a boundary laden 108 not out as the Bank chased down a total of 197 for nine.

Matt McDonald kept Adshead company with a further 52 not out as the Bank breezed to a comfortable victory.

But it was 14-year-old debut boy Mohammed Safyan who stole the limelight, snapping up figures of five for 20 following a fabulous spell, bowling his left-arm chinamen.

Adshead quipped: “He tried to pinch the match ball afterwards, but I managed to get it back off him.

“Safyan bowled well for the Seconds this season and is already on Worcestershire’s radar.”

Against Aston Manor, it was Tom Harris with three for 28 and Jonathan Summers who captured three for 14 that caused damage with the ball.

Adshead believes Astwood Bank will probably need to win both their remaining games to stay up, but they will have their work cut out.

They must visit Hednesford-based outfit C & R Hawks on Saturday, who are champions elect, before completing the season with a home game against Shropshire side Worfield.

But Adshead confirmed: “Whatever happens, the club’s in a good place. Apart from the overseas, our players have all come through the youth system.

“We have a 16-year-old, Ryan Blakemore, opening the batting and 18-year-old Joel Haslem batting at No.5 ,which can only be good for the future.”