Colwall 313-8, Coombs Wood 186 all out.

ON the hottest day of the year so far at Stowe Lane, the visitors, somewhat suprisingly, asked Colwall to bat first in this exciting Crusader Worcestershire League Division One fixture.

The home side got off to a solid start with skipper Mike King (57) and fellow opener Nick Panniers (30) sharing an opening partnership of 87. Colwall then wobbled to 95-3 before the middle order of Bakewell (22), Davey (47) and the hard-hitting Ben Wheeler (94), got to grips with the placid Coombs Wood bowling and a friendly pitch.

Wheeler’s 94 came off only 50 balls with 11 fours and four sixes.

Colwall finished their 50 overs on 313-8. Burgoyne was the pick of his side’s bowling with 4-68.

In reply, Colwall struck early with Ed Smith picking up the wicket of Mark Venross with the score on 11.

A second-wicket partnership of 60 gave the visitors some hope, but the introduction of spin twins King (2-55) and Charlie Griffiths (5-42), put paid to any hope of Coombs Wood holding out for the draw.

Berry wrapped things up taking 2-44 and the visitors were all out for 186, which meant Colwall won by 127 runs.

Tomorrow, Colwall visit struggling local rivals Malvern hoping to build on an impressive start to their first campaign in Division One.