Locks Heath 218-5 beat Whitchurch 217-7

WHITCHURCH were pleased to bat on a hot, stuffy day at the home of the league leaders.

In-form Danny Dancer was lbw in the second over, giving Whitchurch a difficult start against Boyd (1-44) and Strong (3-46), but Sy Ralph (15) and Major Wheeler (22) did the rebuilding. Richard Osmond was lbw for 16, leaving Whitchurch at 71-4, but E Treble (47) and skipper Bawa with (38 from 39 balls) rescued the team. The final impetus was given by Rick Martin (40*) with good support from George Pitts (11) and Mike Oates (2*). The total was about 40 runs short of expectations.

Richard Osmond removed the opener for one, and was unlucky with his appeals. Lambert rode his luck, as did Stokes, who eventually hit a match-winning 80*. Rick Martin removed Lambert (80) and Strong (4). Richard Osmond finished with 3-30, supported by Tom Dodd and Ernie Treble. D Hack covered every inch of the large outfield and saved many runs.