RUGBY’S fine recent form continued at the weekend in fortuitous fashion, after rainfall mid-game helped Matthew Ewer’s side to a winning draw at Moseley Ashfield in the Warwickshire League Premier Division.
Having decided to bat first, the hosts smashed 242-9 before the rain arrived prior to Rugby’s reply meant a less sizeable task with a revised innings of 25 overs at Yardley Wood Road.
The visitors were able to see out the innings to its conclusion at 122-8, despite coming under considerable pressure from Sultan Afzal (3-23) and Co.
The hosts shifted into another gear after making a steady start at the crease, Salahudin Khan (52) and Charlie Greening (58) putting on 90 for the third wicket to take the score to 150-3.
With wickets beginning to fall more regularly from that point on, largely due to the menacing duo of Daanyal Sadiq (3-47) and Neal McGrath (3-57), Moseley managed to hold on despite seeing two dismissals in the final over.
As expected on a slicker wicket, Rugby struggled to maintain partnerships and clock up the runs as Felix Shears (2-35) and Afzal swept up a number of early dismissals.
Ewer (35) produced a stoic captain’s effort as the pick of the visiting batsmen, battling on until falling victim to Afzal at 89-6.
To Rugby’s credit, they could quite easily have witnessed a full collapse after losing their leading man, but with Henry Parker (28) and Lee Golding (16 not out) held down the fort in the closing stages, the away side escaped with the greater share of the points.
Fifth in the table, Rugby host ninth-placed Streetly at Webb Ellis Road on Saturday.
