WORCESTER Nomads defeated a strong Astwood Bank side by three wickets.

WORCESTER NOMADS

SUNDAY v ASTWOOD BANK

Batting first, Astwood Bank looked well set for a convincing total, with their first five batsmen producing 150 runs. They never quite succeeded in taking control however, thanks to some excellent bowling from Lakin with 1-22, Butterworth with 3-34 and Andrews with 2-34.

In reply, Barney Akhtar batted superbly, and having threatened on a number of occasions to make a half century, duly did so with an excellent 71. He received good support from the Cullen twins, Tom (40) and Sam (42).

A late series of ducks at the hands of Churchely (4-17) couldn't prevent a comfortable win however. Perhaps the most remarkable thing was that all 15 wickets in the game were clean bowled!

ASTWOOD BANK II v WORCESTER NOMADS SUNDAY II

NOMADS' Sunday Second XI were involved in a tight finish, with their hosts squeezing home by one wicket in the penultimate over.

The one difference between the sides was without doubt Astwood's batsman Boycott. Normally a 1st XI player, Boycott dominated Astwood's reply, patiently settling into his game, before setting up the victory with 62 before being caught by Chris Goodreds, making his senior debut aged 13, off Kite's bowling. Tim Kite bowled well and was rewarded with 3-23 from his eight overs. John Goodreds again bowled superbly, giving only seven runs from his seven overs.

Nomads had earlier set a target of 160, with contributions from Sirrell (28) and Lyons (19no). The batting award however went undoubtedly to Fred Lloyd, with his top-score for the season of 27.