Alcester & Ragley 1st (108 all out) lost to Elmley Castle 1st (111-2) by 8 wicketsD

Ragley’s good recent run ended in a comprehensive defeat at home to Elmley Castle. Asked to bat first Ragley got off to a flying start as they reached 40-0 from only 7 overs. However Devincentiis (13) was run out at this stage after colliding with Gary Strain in the middle of the wicket. Ragley then reached 67-2 after 14 overs before a massive collapse saw them subside to 74-8. The main protagonists were Elmley captain Neil Cooper who bowled a superb spell to claim 4-23 and also Simon Cooper who claimed 3-30 at the other end. Only Strain (28), Dipple (21) and Curtis Clark (18) troubled the Elmley bowlers as Ragley closed on 108 all out in only the 27th over, in an innings that included 4 ducks.

It appeared that Ragley could get right back into the game as the opening bowlers, Steve Capron and Julian Reader, claimed a wicket each to dismiss the openers and leave Elmley in trouble at 4-2. However Ragley were not to claim another wicket as the 2 Coopers came together and weathered the early storm before knocking the runs off with some ease as Ragley tried everything to claim their wickets. Elmley won in the 29th over with Neil Cooper unbeaten on 52 and Simon Cooper on 45. Ragley are host to Leamington 3rds on Saturday at Ragley Park.