ASHLEY Newfield hit a stunning century to guide Bromsgrove towards an impressive winning draw away at leaders Leamington.
Newfield’s 132 from 147 deliveries added considerably to the Boars’ eventual 246-6 total, whilst Spa managed 202-9 in reply in the Birmingham & District Premier Division Two contest.
Opting to bat first, opener Mike Hingley (10) fell at 19-1, before Jayen Levitt – in tow with Newfield – formed a 112-run partnership before Levitt fell at 133-2 after hitting 61 in all.
Alex Milton added a useful 24 before being taken as the fourth wicket, followed by Newfield at 237-4, whilst Alistair Hickman (4) and Ryan Pedley (3) offered some late runs towards the end of the Bromsgrove innings.
Spa made a steady, if unconvincing start at 41-2, though the 43-run partnership of Waqar Ahmed (46) and Oliver Currill (29) and 33 runs from Chris Calcott helped add to Leamington’s final tally.
Newfield was just as effective with the ball in hand, taking 3-30, while Gareth Williams took 2-24.
Bromsgrove face Barnards Green this Saturday (12 noon).
The Boars’ second XI claimed a stunning nine-wicket victory over Bartestree & Lugwardine in Worcestershire County League Division Two.
Bowling the visitors out for 121 in 38 overs after putting them into bat, Matt Benham was particularly ruthless and took 5-27, while Jack Taylor took 2-12, only allowing Bartestree to top score through Will Summerside’s 34.
Going into bat, Bromsgrove’s Greg Chinn (57, not out) and Matthew Russell (47) formed a 109 run opening partnership before Russel was bowled by Chaminda Koralalage.
Jack Taylor added nine when coming in as the third batsman, as Bromsgrove claimed a win in the 25th over, ahead of visiting Barnt Green Seconds on Saturday (1pm).
Elsewhere, Bromsgrove’s third XI lost by six wickets against Alvechurch & Hopwood in Division Four.
Opener Thomas Downing hit 51, whilst David Collins hit an unbeaten 38, as the Boars finished their innings on 170-7, but Alvechurch saw themselves over the line with four overs remaining.
Josh Searle (2-28) and William Tuffin (2-51) claimed the four Alvechurch wickets, but were unable to stop the imperative James Beech – who hit an unbeaten 55.
They hope for better fortunes when visiting Halesowen Thirds on Saturday (1pm).
