CRICKET – Exhall and Wixford slip to rare defeat against Long Itchington

LEAGUE leaders Exhall and Wixford CC slipped to a rare defeat after losing by four wickets against Long Itchington.

The Alcester-based club posted 256-8 from their 45 overs as captain William Green blasted a quickfire half-century at Whitehall Farm.

However, a century from Long Itchington skipper Luke Brotherton helped the home side to a four-wicket win with 10 overs to spare.

Despite the defeat, Exhall remain top of the Cotswold Hills League First Division table, 37 points clear of closest challengers FISSC.

Exhall won the toss and elected to bat as openers Robert Perry (30) and Julian Morris (24) put on 50 runs for the first wicket.

Home bowler Jack Collyer (3-46) accounted for Exhall’s top order batters as Alexander Brown (10) fell cheaply.

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However, Green (78) scored freely in a 48-ball knock which featured nine fours and four sixes.

Further runs from Elliott Rosewell (23), Martin Park (16), Todd Charlton (25) and Chris Harris (13) pushed Exhall past the 250-run mark.

Sam Bishop (4-31) proved the pick of the Long Itchington bowlers while he also claimed the crucial scalp of Green.

Exhall removed home opener Collyer (8) early in Long Itchington’s reply as Tom Richardson (1-39) struck.

And Perry (3-30) then bowled Richard Cressey (48) who fell just short of a half-century before the same bowler trapped Tom Cooper (16) LBW.

Perry also removed Freddie Calcutt (3) but home captain Brotherton (117) stole the show in a 57-ball knock as he blasted 10 fours and 10 sixes.

Harris (2-22) eventually claimed the scalp of Brotherton as Bishop (15) and James Scott (17 not out) guided Long Itchington to victory in 35 overs.

Exhall and Wixford are next in action against Ashton-Under-Hill on Saturday, August 1 with play to begin at 12.30pm at the John Canning Cricket Ground.