Warwickshire Premier League
1st XI
Handsworth 165 all out
Aston Manor 166-8
ASTON MANOR WON BY 2 WICKETS

With Bedworth losing at Rugby, this tense victory at Church Road confirmed Aston Manor as winners of the Warwickshire Premier League ensuring their promotion back to the Birmingham League at the first attempt.

In front of a large and vocal crowd Manor asked Handsworth to bat first and soon had the visitors reeling at 106-8. Fine bowling from Arfan Khan (3-28) and Masood Iqbal (3-45) had put the hosts in control. However, ex-Manor player Clement Smith (65no), led a spirited recovery before he finally ran out of partners with his side being dismissed for 165. Leg spinner Shaun Findlay (2-31) was excellent in ensuring that Handsworth were not able to build a more substantial target.

In reply, Tom Caulfield (24) and Kameron Zaman (17) gave Manor a solid start before Shaun Findlay also showed his prowess with the bat scoring a superb 84 to take Manor to the brink of victory. Whilst he was at the crease Manor appeared to be cruising to victory, but from 130-2 they soon found themselves 155-8 and in a precarious position. This was an ideal time for the experienced Mickey Bromhall to join his captain, Jason Furnell, at the crease and these two safely saw Manor to victory with fittingly Furnell hitting the winning runs which ultimately secured Manor’s promotion.

Massive congratulations to all of the players who have represented the 1st XI this season and a special mention to Coach Dale Glastonbury and Scorer Andrea Prichard for their contributions.

With the 2nd XI still in with a chance of being runners up, the 3rd XI having won their league and the 4th XI finishing a credible fourth it has definitely been a very good season for Aston Manor Cricket Club.