KNOWLE and Dorridge suffered a 12-run defeat at the hands of Leamington despite fine all-round displays from Ethan and Henry Brookes and a classy half-century from teenage batting talent Hamza Shaikh, writes Paul Smith.
In a tense finale, the home side’s lengthy batting line-up almost pulled a result from the fire as Warwickshire’s Henry Brookes and young keeper George Maddy built a 62-run eighth-wicket partnership.
However, the experience of Spa’s county all-rounders Ollie Currill and Craig Miles eventually ensured that the hosts fell agonisingly short of a 227-run target which earlier owed much to the same pair’s efforts with the willow.
On a glorious day around 400 spectators were treated to some outstanding cricket from two of the Midlands’ leading sides, but this was little consolation to home skipper Jack Grundy.
“It was a great day for the club but a very frustrating result,” he said.
“Craig Miles was the difference between the two teams. He played really well for them with the bat then when we were threatening to sneak it at the end he came back and bowled a very good second spell.
“I was pleased that we stuck in like we did as we looked out of it a couple of times but managed to keep going. Hamza Shaikh played a very good innings but no-one stayed with him.
“It was good to see him start so well; he has really come on over the winter and hopefully will go on to score lots of runs this season. I was also very pleased with our young keeper George Maddy who got five dismissals then made a very useful 20-odd.”
Leamington recovered from 12 for two thanks to opener Harrison Smith’s 38 which set the stage for an entertaining 80-run fourth-wicket stand between former Gloucestershire star Currill and Warwickshire’s Miles.
While Currill looked for big shots – including two big sixes over the pavilion – Miles was happy to play a supporting role until the return of Chris Cheslin saw his partner sky a catch from the leading edge.
Miles went on to make 78 from 94 balls and while he was at the crease a total in excess of 260 seemed a distinct possibility. However, following his dismissal to Ethan Brookes the visitors last five wickets realised only 30 runs against a penetrative home attack.
Cheslin finished with 3-53 while Bears wrist-spinner Jake Lintott claimed 2-39 but it was Ethan (2-44) and especially Henry Brookes (3-26) that stood out in good batting conditions.
The home side’s response could scarcely have got off to a worse start with both openers dismissed for ducks. But, in a similar pattern to the Leamington innings, third wicket pair Ethan Brookes (32) and Shaikh soon repaired the early damage.
However, the middle order was unable to develop this base and when Shaikh was seventh man out for an excellent 73-ball 64 containing ten boundaries and a six K&D still required exactly 100.
Maddy added 62 patient runs with Henry Brookes until a run out broke the partnership. The return of Miles then ended Brookes’ fine knock at 37 before last pair Grundy and Cheslin fell narrowly short of the 27 runs required. Miles topped off a fine day with figures of 3-21 while Josh de Souza and Dinuk de Silva both claimed a brace of wickets.
