Radford’s unbeaten 180 boosts Leamington’s survival hopes

Batting first on a good track with a lightning outfield and shortish boundary towards the Woodcote Road side of the ground, Leamington made a faltering start.

Shabaaz Alam, twice a centurion this season, failed for once and Warwickshire contracted player Paul Best fell second ball for a duck.

However, this brought Luke Radford to the crease and the momentum swung immediately in Leamington’s favour.

The talented all-rounder, who has played 2nd XI cricket for a number of counties, has been sorely missed by Leamington this season following a serious injury suffered in the field at Wellington in May.

Radford set about the Smethwick attack, receiving fine support from Mark Best (32) and stand-in captain Dave Bailey.

Relishing the responsibility, Bailey returned to form after a barren patch, employing the slog-sweep to great effect.

The pair completely dominated the attack to such an extent that Bailey took the option of declaring at the close of the 51st over with Leamington on 332 for three, the highest home score for many a season.

Radford ended on 180 not out and Bailey undefeated on 83.

Smethwick set about their chase with great intent, with skipper Vikram Sodhi compiling a cultured 82.

Indeed with the score on 230 for three, Leamington’s declaration appeared generous as the home side used six bowlers to little avail.

However, a couple of quick wickets and the arrival of the forecast deluge, meant Smethwick closed behind the run rate on 274 for six in 50 overs.

Radford claimed two wickets to complete an excellent all-round display.

Leamington 2nds’ topsy-turvy season continued with a sub-standard performance at Barnt Green on Saturday resulting in a seven-wicket defeat.

Batting first on well-worn wicket, Leamington made a poor start as neither opener troubled the scorers.

A series of injudicious shots and an unfortunate run out then left Leamington reeling at 50 for seven.

However, Jason Butler played a captain’s knock, compiling a patient 59 not out, receiving good support from Tom Davison (16) and Paul Lawrence (29 not out), as Leamington recovered to 170 for nine.

For Green, Warwickshire coach Dougie Brown took three for 33 on a wicket taking exaggerated turn.

In response, Tom Davison, took two early wickets but Leamington were unable to wrest control from Green.

Two straightforward chances were spurned and Barnt Green eased to a comfortable victory as the clouds darkened, with Ravi Nagra unbeaten on 67 and Brown 22 not out.

Leamington 4ths picked up 20 points in Cotswold Hills Division Six after Tanworth & Camp Hill were unable to raise a side.

 Leamington 3rds report - page 71