Warwickshire Premier League
1st XI
Olton 282-9
Aston Manor 235-8
MATCH DRAWN

Manors superb and successful season was completed with a high scoring and entertaining drawn game away at Olton. Captain Jason Furnell also received the League Champions trophy in front of a large and vocal following from Perry Barr.

Olton elected to have first use of a very good batting track, and inspired by a fine innings of 99 from Gary Hawkins, proceeded to put Manor’s feared bowling attack to the sword. After Hawkins dismissal the visitors did manage to wrestle back some control particularly during a fine spell from Arfan Khan (2-45) and Shaun Findlay (2-67). However another good partnership between Jamie Hawkins (39) and Phil Trilloe (36) saw Olton close on an impressive 282-9 from their 50 overs. Aurell Kirnon and George Findlay each grabbed a wicket with their first bowl for over two months following injury, but the highlights for Manor were a rare wicket for skipper Jason Furnell and a superb outfield catch by usual wicket-keeper Mickey Bromhall.

Manor attempted to get their innings off to a positive start with some big hitting but soon found themselves in deep trouble at 59-4. An excellent partnership of 122 between Shaun Findlay (84) and Andrew Forman (52) saw Manor get themselves back into a winning position, but when both of these were dismissed in successive overs that hope seemed to disappear. A bright cameo from Tom Caulfield (29) briefly re-ignited that hope, but on his exit it was left to Adam Nevitt and Arfan Khan to bat sensibly to see Manor through to a draw.

A huge party got underway in the changing rooms after the match, and the celebrations continued well into the early hours. Many congratulations to all involved in what has been a terrific season for Aston Manor Cricket Club.