STUDLEY gave their season lift-off after beating Standard by 80 runs in the Warwickshire County League Division One.

The Bees produced a strong overall display to see them bounce back from last week’s rained off clash against Coleshill.

After losing the toss and being put into bat, Studley did well to reach 192-4 on a damp wicket where scoring was difficult.

Simon Stamenkovic was certainly in good form as he top scored with an unbeaten 53, while Jawaad Azir also hit 44 runs.

Standard’s reply was hampered by the impressive Mark Swannick and Barrie Forrester-Smith.

Swannick took 3-45, while Forester-Smith took four wickets as the Coventry-based home side were dismissed for 110.

Captain Steven Rose said: “The wicket was very close and it was a very long outfield so scoring was very difficult.

“I thought 190 in those conditions was very good and it put us in the driving seat.

“I have never seen Mark Swannick bowl any better, that was the best he has bowled. I don’t think he can walk properly but it was worth the effort.”

Studley continue their league campaign at home to Barby on Saturday (1pm start).

Meanwhile, former Warwickshire run machine Dominic Ostler has begun coaching juniors down at the club on Wednesday evenings.

Boys and girls from the age of six are welcome to attend the sessions at their Washford Fields from 6pm.

Complete Cricket runs the sessons and there will be up to six qualified coaches putting juniors through their paces. Rose said: “Dominic is a vastly experienced batsman who played with distinction for many years for Warwickshire.

“It’s great to have someone of his experience able to pass on his experience to the younger players.

“We’ve also got Complete Cricket running the sessions, we’d also love to more girls playing cricket.

“The success of the England team has really raised the profile of women’s cricket.”