RUGBY edged their way to a single-wicket victory against Handsworth in Warwickshire County Cricket League Premier Division, ending their fourth-match losing streak.
Owen Edwards took an impressive 4-18, in a result that pushes the club further away from the relegation zone.
After winning the toss and putting Handsworth into bat, Rugby’s Matthew Ewer (3-40) took the first wicket at 29-1 for an lbw, while top-scorer Waseem Mazhar (17) followed shortly after.
The wickets fell at regular intervals as Handsworth struggled to find their rhythm, being bowled out for 93 after 27 overs.
Rugby themselves had a similar problem at the bat in the second innings, failing to form any significant partnerships, with the opening stand of 22 by openers Lee James (4) and Henry Wilkins (19) the biggest combination formed by the hosts.
Number three batsman Ed Benfield (19) stayed on with three batting partners before being dismissed in the fourth wicket, hitting the joint-highest score for Rugby.
With George Terry (7) gone at 85-9, and with nine required to beat Handsworth’s score of 93, the final duo of Jonathan Sage (7) and Thomas Mitchell (1) guided their side over the line to a much-needed victory.
Rugby hope to back up their success against leaders Bedworth on Saturday (noon).
