Cricket: Ali Pretty scores 131 in Himbleton's draw with Old Vigornians

Pretty struck 20 boundaries, including seven sixes over the course of 40 overs as his innings of 131 helped the visitors to 305-7.

But they were unable to secure victory as the Worcester club held firm, finishing on 237-8 in a battling draw in Worcestershire League Division Two.

“That was an excellent all-round effort with everyone contributing to a rewarding result,” Dickenson said.

“It’s always a pleasure watching Ali Pretty bat but that was special.

“He allowed us to build towards a commanding total and he played beautifully throughout.

“Our bowlers were on form as well, backed up by commitment from everyone in the field.

“I knew we’d come good eventually and I’m just hoping for more of the same next week.”

After the early loss of Richard Sugden (10), Pretty and Jon Critchlow (44) built the platform from which the middle order was able to launch an attack in the later overs.

Pretty continued to accumulate as Sean Jenkins (36), Rich Pretty (15), Dickenson (16) and Jamie Alford (19) all made telling and rapid contributions.

Pretty was out off the penultimate ball of the innings, sacrificing his wicket in the quest for further late runs.

Azmat Riaz finished with figures of 4-84.

OVs began their reply with a blaze of boundaries but Rob Perrins (2-53) and Sam Jenkins (2-35) stemmed the tide with the key wickets of Osman Fiaz and William Burgoyne.

Whilst boundaries were frequent as the hosts looked to keep up with the run rate, the Meadow Boys stuck to their task, maintaining pressure and nicking wickets at crucial moments aided by some fine catches from Sugden and Pretty.

The rate kept creeping up despite the efforts of Steve Campbell-Ferguson (46) and Alex Parker (25) and once the rejuvenated Greg Dale (3-74) had claimed his third wicket the hosts decided it was time to shut up shop and hold out for the draw.

Paul Guy comes in for Greg Dale when Himbleton host Old Swinford on Saturday (1pm).