KINGS HEATH (237-8) lost to ATHERSTONE TOWN CC (239-6) by four wickets

ATHERSTONE completed their Warwickshire League season with a heartening win – their second in the last four games of a disappointing year.

The Adders travelled to play fourth-placed Kings Heath and the home side elected to bat first, making a solid start despite two rain interruptions which took seven overs out of the game.

Gavin Shepherd was looking to repeat the century he got in their first meeting in July but was well held at mid-off by Billy Rathbone for 35 while wickets for Andy Parker and Vic Clements, aided by some excellent catching, had Kings Heath struggling at 104-5 in the 24th over.

A rapid 71 by Andy Davies started a recovery and a steady, undefeated 55 by Chris Monk completed the job and, despite five wickets for Clements (5-59), Kings Heath were able to declare after 47 overs on 237-8.

This left Atherstone 46 overs to try and score 238 to win having not totalled 200 as a side all season.

Jack Smith laid the foundation for a potential run chase with a cultured 70, the Adders' under-17s skipper striking 12 fours on his return to the scene of last Sunday's dramatic under-17 county final triumph.

Adam Goss added support with 21 but after Smith had departed, the match was evenly poised with the Adders needing 100 to win off the last 16 overs and five wickets in hand.

At this stage, two crucial partnerships took Atherstone to victory – Sam Smart and Danny Brooks added 51 in only seven overs with Brooks striking three massive sixes in his 36.

Smart and Clements (15no) then completed the job with 2.1 overs to spare, Smart striking a powerful 54no, which included a six and five fours to see the Adders home.

Atherstone seconds were under the cosh in their game at home to Walsall YMF when a thunderstorm ended play at Ratcliffe Road.

The visitors had raced to 345-8 from their 50 overs, skipper Ger Thomas taking 5-82 for the Adders who were then struggling at 52-3 after 16 overs when rain ended play.