Redditch come out on top in derby (From Redditch Advertiser)

Redditch come out on top in derby

12:00am Wednesday 26th August 2009

ASTWOOD Bank made the short journey to local rivals Redditch on Saturday.

Redditch bowled well early on and it was only Tom Pedley (32) that managed to score freely against a disciplined home attack.

But after losing three quick wickets, Bank found themselves 46-3 after 21 overs.

Bryan Melliard (47) and Paul Boycott set about rebuilding the innings and this partnership carried the score onto 86-4 after 35 overs when Boycott was dismissed by the impressive Aussie Dan Friedrich, who took 5-59.

Captain Andy Alexander (52 not out) managed to accelerate the scoring alongside Melliard and Tom Harris to bring the Bank innings to a close on 190-6.

Redditch got off to an excellent start in reply, reaching 64 before Perry Derrick (22) was dismissed by Andjrei Jagielski (3-52) on his return from injury.

A stand of 49 between Adam Gailey (73) and Friedrich (65 not out) left Redditch requiring 64 from the last ten overs.

Excellent bowling by Jagielski and Jonny Summers (3 for 83) then sparked a middle order collapse as the home side wobbled under pressure. But Friedrich managed to score the 12 runs required from the final over of the match to complete a three wicket victory and secure a hard earned 24 points for Redditch.

Redditch seconds beat Astwood Bank away by six wickets.

Bank batted first and made 237-7, Steven Rose taking 2-62.

In reply, Will Hadley made 64 not out, Rose 62 and Axel Mukhtar 36 as Redditch passed the total with six wickets and six overs to spare.

The thirds hosted Aston Manor and made 245-7, restricting the visitors to 235-7.

Ateek Abid was the pick of the bowlers with 2-14.