Castle brew up for area knock-out final (From Cotswold Journal)

Castle brew up for area knock-out final

8:10pm Sunday 17th June 2012 in Sport

ELMLEY Castle reached the Yorkshire Tea National Village Knock-out area final after a 33-run victory over Pencombe.

The Cotswold Hills League Premier Division side scored 222 off their 40 overs before dismissing their Herefordshire hosts for 189 in the third round clash to set-up a home date against Bretforton on Sunday.

Batting first, Elmley’s Peter Cross fell to the first ball of the match and was followed four balls later by Simon Cooper (0).

Neil Cooper joined Simon Corbett at the crease but the former’s departure for 13 left the visitors on 25-3.

James Cawson and Corbett added 51 in 13 overs before the latter was caught for a well-crafted 37.

Ashley Hemming (22) later shared a stand of 53 with Cawson, who hit a six straight out of the ground on his way to a splendid 90.

Set 223 to win, Pencombe got off to a steady start with O Thomas (27) and S Barrett (21) but they could not keep up with the run-rate.

The breakthrough was supplied by Corbett who claimed both the openers, while at the other end, Neil Cooper claimed three scalps.

Some strong resistance came from Jamie Hine (56) but Pencombe were eventually bowled out for 189 in the penultimate over.

Meanwhile, Sam Thomson recorded figures of 7-22 leaders Badsey defeated Stratford Bards II by six wickets in Cotswold Hills League Division Four.

Thomson’s efforts saw Stratford dismissed for just 82 after Badsey had won the toss and elected to field.

The all-rounder then compiled an unbeaten 41 to steer his side to their fifth win from six matches this season.

By the fifth over, Thomson had Stratford reeling on 9-4.

A fifth-wicket partnership of 23 between J Kirk and Martin Malone until that too was broken up by Thomson.

Malone (31) fell to Michael Powell in the 14th over before defiant ninth and final wicket stands took the Bards to 82 in the 35th over.

Badsey lost Powell in the sixth over followed by Elliot Thompson two overs later.

David Wheatley fell in the 12th to leave them on 30-3, but Badsey went past their target in the 21st over.