SEAMERS STAR AS HIMLEY UNDO WOLVERHAMPTON

The first team registered their first win of the season against local rivals Wolverhampton in the midweek Twenty20 challenge cup. A fantastic seam bowling effort from Jamie Turner, Matt Jeavons, Ollie Siviter took Wolverhampton from 92-4 too 108 all out. In the chase, openers Mahaaz Ahmed and Olly Westbury put on 73 for the first wicket, thanks to some big hitting from Ahmed. Bad light then intervened with Himley way ahead on 84-3. The game was unable to resume and Himley were victorious for the first time in 2021 via Duckworth Lewis. 
 
As the players arrived at Wolverhampton on drizzly dark evening, captain Olly Westbury lost his fourth consecutive toss of the season and Wolverhampton elected to bat. The game would only be 15 overs as the umpires were concerned about the light. First eleven regulars Dan Vernon and Callum Lea were unavailable for this game so Hassan Ahmed and Ollie Siviter made their first appearances of the season. 

Wolverhampton got off to a flyer with the first over going for 17 but this was pulled back by some excellent bowling in the powerplay by Jamie Turner. He dismissed Amritpal Singh, Charlie Mackleworth and Atif Sheikh whilst only going at 5 runs an over.  

Wolverhampton did recover with Will Neild and Charlie Home putting on 51 for the fifth wicket partnership. With Neild playing some eye-catching shots including three reverse sweeps in three consecutive balls. His innings was brought to an end by Jamie Lunn when he was caught behind for a well-made 36.  

Himley regained control of the innings though and took wickets in regular intervals. Matt Jeavons and Ollie Siviter were the men to take the final five wickets. They bowled straight and forced the batsmen into making mistakes. Jeavons Finished with 3-16 and Siviter 2-18. Setting Himley a target of 108.  

Himley’s opener went out to bat needing just over 7 an over and Charlie Home bowled a very tight first over that only went for 4 runs. Olly Westbury and Mahaaz Ahmed soon picked up the pace and they both hit several boundaries as Himley moved in a very commanding position. Ahmed continued to play his shots and he hit Worcester Academy spinner Joe Stanley for three consecutive sixes in his second over taking the total to 73 without loss.  

Despite a late collapse Himley held on as the game was finished prematurely due to the fading light. At 84-3 they were way ahead of Duckworth Lewis with no chance of the game resuming.  

It was a first win of the season for the visitors and one that will hopefully kickstart their Birmingham League campaign. Himley are next in action at home against Oswestry on Saturday.  

​Cricket Fan