RUGBY enjoyed a fruitful Bank Holiday weekend in Birmingham League Division Three as they picked up 40 points following successful run chases against Old Hill and Redditch respectively.
The victories further consolidated second place in the table for Rugby who are on 305 points and have now opened a gap over the chasing pack of Pelsall (284), Stratford (265) and Old Hill (254).
However, with three games to go, leaders Stourbridge also took maximum points at the weekend to maintain a 27-point advantage over Rugby.
Rugby captain Owen Edwards said: “We had two tough matches over the Bank Holiday weekend and the boys really stepped up when it was needed.
“Saturday was a particularly tough fixture, so going away to a club like Old Hill and getting such a convincing result was a great effort.
“The partnership between Michael Hughes and Henry Parker was one of the best I’ve seen.
“Then it was pleasing to back it up on Monday and beat Redditch.
“Mike Powell had a great game but the stand-out performer over the two matches was Lee Golding.
“I’ve played with Lee for many years but he’s taken his game to a new level this summer, bowling better than I’ve ever seen him and causing havoc with the new ball.”
Rugby produced one of their best performances of the season on Saturday to canter to an eight-wicket victory over Old Hill.
Rugby opted to field after winning the toss with Golding claiming 4-31 from ten overs to help limit Old Hill to 167-9 from their allotted 50 overs.
In reply Edwards’ side slumped to 16-2 but the third-wicket partnership between Hughes (65no) and Parker (71no) guided the visitors to 171-2 and the 20 points.
Rugby then secured a comfortable five-wicket victory over Redditch.
Again Rugby won the toss and opted to field, with Redditch setting a competitive score of 216-6 from their 50 overs.
However, Edwards’ side made light work of their run chase with openers Raj Chohan (65) and Powell (61) helping fire the hosts to 222-5 in the 43rd over.
Rugby entertain Milford Hall on Saturday.
