Thornton holds nerve to ensure good work of Alam does not go to waste

Having won the toss and electing to bat, the visitors could not have got off to a better start as Shahbaz Alam and Jonathan Wigley put on a magnificent 161 for the opening partnership as they ran the home side ragged through a combination of quick singles and lusty blows.

Wigley eventually fell for 80, well caught in the deep, but the visitors maintained their momentum as David Bailey (24) and Mark Ashcroft (30) helped take Leamington to a formidable 280 for six off their 55 overs.

The star of the show, however, was Alam who showed his class with a wonderful 111.

For the hosts, captain Mike Talbot returned figures of four for 67.

In reply, despite losing Orton lbw to Tom Warner for seven, the home side got off to a flyer as Talbot (45) and Flower (42) set about the large run chase.

Even after Talbot and Flower were out to Grant Thornton and Faisal Khalid respectively, the home side kept coming at the visitors as the experienced Stuart Burrows was joined by former Worcestershire player Jack Manuel.

Mark Ashcroft then bowled Manuel (22) and when Bailey superbly ran out Burrows for 55, the visitors felt they were well and truly in the driving seat.

However, the game continued to ebb and flow and, after requiring 80 to win off the last ten overs, Tamworth arrived at the final over needing 11.

In a tense finish, Grant Thornton held his nerve as the visitors fell short by three runs to give Leamington the bulk of the points from a winning draw.

The result was harsh on McNulty who contributed a brilliant unbeaten 45 to almost guide his side home.

For Leamington, the pick of the bowlers were Faisal Khalid (1-39) and Mark Ashcroft (2-65).

Leamington 2nds eased to a winning draw over a youthful Himley side who seemed content with an ultra-cautious approach from the start.

Leamington batted first on a wicket that offered some uneven bounce and encouragement to the bowlers.

However, Steve Dyer and Mark Lewis were in imperious form, adding 100 for the first wicket before Lewis was dismissed for 43.

Dyer marched on towards a century accompanied by Jimbo Williams, freshly promoted following a ton for the Third XI.

Dyer made exactly 100, his first since returning to the club, while Williams eased to an unbeaten 65.

A quickfire 25 from Jack Hawkes saw Leamington close on an imposing 273 for four.

Himley were soon on the back foot as Matthew Davison and Paul Lawrence made early inroads.

Jason Butler took a couple more, but despite changing the attack with regularity, Leamington could not disturb Himley’s Steve Newman who batted through for an undefeated 59.

Two wickets for the occasional off-spin of Mark Lewis brought Leamington close to victory but Himley held on to claim two points, ending on 147 for eight.