Alcester & Ragley 1st (179-7) beat Warks County Council (175 all out) by 3 wickets

Ragley eased home in the 40th over to record their 6th league victory of the season in a game they should have won much more easily if catches had been held.

Ragley won the toss and elected to bowl first away at Warks County Council. Ragley bowlers began as they had in the previous 2 weeks as they quickly reduced WCC to 55-5. Sam Westwood was first amongst the wickets again as he claimed both openers for 3 and 6 respectively. Julian Reader was also in the wickets early on as he claimed the next 2 with Steve Capron claiming the fifth as Ragley clung on to all the chances that were offered. At this point WCC mounted a comeback as Ragley’s fielding fell apart in the oppressive heat of the day. They put down 7 catches as first Zambessis (31) and then Bliss (47) took advantage to lift WCC to a respectable 175 all out on what looked to be a tricky pitch to bat on. Westwood finished with 4-37 and Capron 3-45.

Ragley began slowly in reply but without losing any wickets until the score had reached 45 when Michael Coombs was lbw for 19. Fellow opener Woolley fell shortly afterwards for 18. Three more quick wickets fell to the bowling of Gardner and Webster as it looked liked the game was being taken away from Ragley, with the score on 76-5 at this stage from 28 overs. Then Adam Peachey and Adam Devey teamed up in the middle to forge the match winning partnership as they added 85 in just 12 overs. Devey, the man in form after his 150 not out for the 2nds 2 weeks previously, took the attack to Warks CC and bludgeoned 3 sixes and 4 fours in his 54 to put Ragley on the point of victory before he was out with just 10 needed. Peachey was left to hit the winning runs for the 2nd week in a row as he batted very well for his 32 not out to see his side home with 5 overs to spare. Pick of the WCC bowlers were Webster 3-44 and Gardner 4-29.