County class shows as Berkswell underline their title credentials

Eian Marillier looks on as Mark Best races towards a half-century in Berkswells victory over Wardens. Picture: Morris Troughton

Ex-Bears skipper Maddy claimed four for 42 from 17 tidy overs of medium-pace to restrict Wardens to a 55-over total of 180 for nine before left-hander James stroked a fine 65 to see the visitors home with six wickets and 12 overs in hand.

The result leaves Berkswell’s galaxy of stars alongside West Bromwich Dartmouth at the summit of the Premier Division table at the season’s midpoint.

Meanwhile, Wardens are comfortably placed in mid-division on their return to the top-flight.

In the absence of the unavailable Keith Bell and Scott Stenning, Sitanshu Kotak (37) and Anthony Wilkinson (32) built a steady third-wicket partnership for Wardens.

They added 64 useful runs before both fell in quick succession to Maddy.

The former England all-rounder quickly added the scalp of home skipper Martin Donald and it took useful runs from Raj Chohan (22) and Ali Wilkinson (18 not out) to see Wardens to a working total.

Ali Wilkinson then claimed the early scalp of James Neale before James combined with Mark Best to drive home Berkswell’s advantage.

The second-wicket duo added 102 before Kotak outfoxed Best for an enterprising 86-ball 58, which included nine boundaries.

Wardens scented an opportunity but Tom Lewis joined James to immediately thwart their hopes.

He hit six fours and a maximum in his 44-ball 41, while James’ steady 125-ball 65 included six boundaries.

Both fell with the winning post in sight, leaving Tom Milnes to join Maddy to see the visitors over the line in the 44th over.

Paceman Charlie Tustain’s late blast steered Wardens’ 2nds to a thrilling final-over 70-run win against struggling Bridgnorth.

Tustain ripped out the tail to finish with four for 20 from 8.3 pacy overs and clinch Wardens a maximum 24-point return with three balls remaining.

This leaves James Jordan’s team, who have now gone 12 months unbeaten, at the summit of the Birmingham League Division One table at the season’s midpoint.

After Tustain and fellow seamers Rajan Bhatti, Nick Whiting and Jordan shared early wickets, the hosts sought a draw through the efforts of Cameron Wallis (29) and eighth-wicket pair Ben Leather (27) and Guy Black (16).

However, Tustain’s return dismissed the stubborn Leather, before he also removed last-man Andrew Leather to bank the spoils.

Earlier, Robin de Regt continued another prolific campaign with an excellent 77.

The South African left-hander received good support from Dan Phillips (21), Harry Johnson (22), Jordan (25) and Tom Lamond (25) as the visitors defied the best efforts of Wallis, who claimed five for 61 from 13 overs, to post a competitive 212 for seven.