COLWALL v FECKENHAM

THIS was Colwall's introduction to the Worcestershire Sunday league, and if all games are as close, competitive and enjoyable as this one, then it will be a popular addition to the games at Stowe Lane.

Colwall batted first but lost the early wickets of Jonty Hylands, David Taylor, Ed Evans and Mike King.

The fifth wicket pair of Luke Ledbury and Clive Kendall added 60, with Kendall scampering between the wickets and Ledbury depositing a succession of deliveries into neighbouring gardens.

When both fell in quick succession Darren Cooke and Tim Riley took up the challenge and they added 80 runs.

Cooke perished in aiming a mighty blow, soon followed by Kontarines. With nine balls of the innings remaining James Wagstaff hit out and Colwall finished on 278.

Colwall's Damian Berry worked up a lively pace and Darren Cooke found help through the air. Attacking field placings gave Feckenham the opportunity to score, with slips hovering waiting for the chance. Berry made the first breakthrough shattering Jackson's stumps, and then Cooke trapped Kings LBW.

In a brief spell Mike King picked up two wickets and the unfortunate Monk pulled up lame and had to retire. Chinn was easily caught at cover by Hylands leaving the visitors seemingly out of the game at 150-6, effectively seven, but Feckenham's skipper Jim Preece partnered by Reddich were not giving in.

Ed Evans bowled five tight overs, taking the vital wicket of Reddich with his first ball to an excellent catch at third man by the diving Kontarines. Damien Berry returned and was able to keep the run rate from rising.

A final fling from Preece in the dying overs saw an unlikely 18 needed from the last over, a hope which died when Wagsaff tied up Hird with his first two balls. Preece perished from the final ball trying to hit the six he needed to complete a spirited century.