CRICKET: HEAVY rain washed out any remote chance Berkswell had of retaining their Birmingham Premier League title.
Dominic Ostler’s men were due to face Kenilworth Wardens at Meeting House Lane on Saturday, but persistent rain during the afternoon prevented action from continuing – just as Berkswell were set to record another home victory.
Ostler won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first.
Berkswell experienced immediate success when Ryan Sidebottom claimed the wicket of Tom Brammer (0) off the second ball of the match
But halfway through the second over the rain started to fall and the players left the field.
The rain delay caused the match to be reduced to 37 overs per side and, upon the resumption of play, Berkswell picked up wickets at regular intervals throughout the innings and were able to contain the Wardens to just 168 for the loss of nine wickets.
Nick James proved the pick of Berkwell’s bowlers, returning with figures of 32/3.
Berkswell lost opener Liam Gately (3) in the third over, but a solid knock from Mark Best and Chris Whittock guided Berkswell towards victory.
With the scoreboard showing 78/1 after just eight overs, heavy rain fell once again.
Disappointingly for Berkswell, their title ambitions – and the match – were abandoned.
A runners up spot is still up for grabs though as Berkswell face Walsall in their final league game of the season.
The match at Gorway Road starts at midday.
Picture: Manjit Narotra.
