Cricket
Harvington have to settle for runners-up spot

HARVINGTON claimed the maximum 24 points with a crushing ten-wicket victory over visitors Stourbridge Social on Saturday, but it was not enough to clinch the Worcestershire League Division Three title.

The Anchor Lane outfit had to be satisfied with second place and promotion as news came through that leaders Cookley had maintained their three-point lead over Harvington as they secured 24 points in their seven-wicket success at Kidderminster Victoria.

Stourbridge won the toss and elected to bat and never looked comfortable against the new ball pairing of Jo Venter and Ben Hawker.

Wickets fell at regular intervals as Venter performed his strike bowler's role as he has done all season in taking 4-18 in 12 overs.

Jamie Anderson's leg spin took 2-41 in 12 and medium Pacer James Towey took three wickets in one over to complete the innings as Stourbridge were dismissed for only 90.

In reply Harvington openers Andrew Fisher and Dave Waters looked in fine form and neither gave a chance as the home side raced to 91-0 in 14.2 overs, with Fisher unbeaten on 56 and Waters 28 not out.

Harvington's rise through the divisions has continued and the challenge will get tougher still next season with the likes of Colwall and Bewdley in Division Two.

Harvington 2nds finished the season with a 120-run defeat at Stourbridge Social.

George Whiston took four wickets for the visitors as the hosts made 275-7 and in their reply Harvington were 155 all out as Jethro Chadwick made an unbeaten 43.

On Sunday Harvington beat Tewkesbury by fine wickets. Tewkesbury were bowled out for 180 despite 68 from Australian Rollins and 79 from West Indian Franklin as Dan Colburn took 4-23 and Sam Bannister 3-20.

In reply Colburn completed a fine performance with an unbeaten 66.

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