1st XI
Birmingham League Division Three
Worfield 101 all out
Aston Manor 102-8
ASTON MANOR WON BY 2 WICKETS

Aston Manor visited Shropshire on Saturday and secured a tense and vitally important victory at Worfield.

The hosts won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision which appeared to backfire as they were reduced to 36-6 by some outstanding new ball bowling. Youngster Kieron Carroll (2-25) bowled with pace and aggression to support the superb Aslan Shahid whose opening spell yielded him figures of 4-23 including a hat trick. The conditions were conducive to seam bowling, but the Manor pair took full advantage by consistently bowling good line and length at decent pace.

Joseph Arnold (26no) and Dan Plank (22) offered late resistance but leg spinner Shaun Findlay (3-21) continued his early season good form and along with South African Byron Wyngard (1-29) ensured there was no substantial recovery as Worfield were finally dismissed for 101.

Any thoughts that Manor may have had about a comfortable victory were dispelled by a fine opening spell from Dale Quiney (3-24) which put his side well back into contention. Despite a dogged and determined effort from Kamran Zaman (30) Manor were in serious trouble at 88-8 as they also struggled against the leg spin of Patrick Butler (4-22). Not for the first time, Shozab Haider (31no), produced an innings of great character to come to Manor’s rescue. Despite surviving several appeals, James Harris managed to support the excellent Haider who saw the Church Road men through to an exciting victory.