A FIRST victory since June pushed an Alex Milton-inspired Bromsgrove up to eighth and ended a run of six matches without success in an impressive five-wicket win at Harborne.
In a high-scoring affair at Old Church Road, it was the visiting Boars who would come out of the Birmingham & District Premier Division Two clash on top despite witnessing the hosts hit 356 for seven wickets conceded – with the unbeaten Milton putting on a quickfire 173 runs from just 120 balls faced.
Losing just five wickets in reply and reaching their target score with 15 balls remaining, Bromsgrove reigned supreme in an encounter which was unforgiving for the bowlers on either side.
Harborne’s big-hitters Swapnil Gugale and Jasper Davidson (both 73) made life difficult for the visitors, with the latter combining for a partnership of 102 runs alongside Tejas Wagle (50) before the fall of the fourth wicket.
Gareth Williams (2-64) and George Marshall (2-78) were unable to have more of an influence on the innings, as the hosts ran riot at the crease.
But whatever Harborne could do, Bromsgrove could ultimately do better.
Despite starting slowly, a third-wicket partnership of 134 runs between opener Jayden Levitt (81) and the emphatic Milton (173, no) helped pick up the pace, while skipper Mark Evenson (38, no) provided useful support at number seven.
Despite Milton’s heroics, it was Evenson who ultimately wrapped up victory – smashing a six and then hitting a shot into the boundary with the very next ball to win the game in style.
On Saturday, the Boars go to Bridgnorth, sixth.
