Cricket
Harvington celebrate promotion

HARVINGTON secured promotion from Worcestershire League Division Three on Saturday with a 50-run victory at Chaddesley Corbett and in doing so maintained their title hopes.

In a bid to secure the maximum 24 points and put pressure on leaders Cookley, Harvington skipper Simon Price bravely chose to bat on a damp wicket after winning the toss.

Scoring proved difficult throughout the Harvington innings and any pre-innings plans of declaring early were wiped out by some disciplined bowling from the home side.

Wickets fell at regular intervals with crucial umpiring decisions also going against Harvington and it did not look like it would be their day.

Jo Venter with 23 and Ben Hawker with 20 were the top scorers of the innings as Harvington were bowled out for 123 in the 50th over.

Harvington knew that if they bowled straight it would be just as tough for the home side and this was proven right as Chaddesley struggled from the start of the innings.

Opening bowlers Venter (2-25) and Hawker (1-7) inflicted early damage and change seamers Lee Ross (4-13) and James Towey (2-15) continued the good work.

Eventually Steve McKelvie took the final wicket with less than ten overs left in the game to secure the 24 points as the hosts were dismissed for 73.

However, Cookley also secured maximum points in their 30-run victory over Harborne 3rds so remain three points clear with one game to play.

Harvington finish the season at home to Stourbridge Social whilst Cookley visit Kidderminster.

Harvington 2nds continued their fine recent form with a five-wicket victory over Chaddesley 2nds.

Chaddesley were dismissed for 140 with Dave Moulson taking 4-16 and in reply Harvington's Trevor Knowles with 45 and George Whiston with an unbeaten 42 saw their side to victory.

On Sunday Harvington comfortably beat Peopleton by eight wickets as Peopleton dismissed for 133 before Pete Smith with 46 was top scorer for Harvington.

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