RAIN again affected the likely outcome of Worcester Nomads visit to Alvechurch on Saturday in the Crusader Worcestershire County League Division Two.

ALVECHURCH V WORCESTER NOMADS

Alvechurch batted well to amass 269-6 from their allotted 50 overs. Matters were helped by an injury to key strike bowler Ian Jinks, and an injury to keeper Dixon, who was hit in the face and taken to hospital.

Rose, with an excellent 111, ably supported by Enwood with 62 were the main performers following the injuries. Wooler bowled well for 3-70.

Rain then caused the Nomads innings to be reduced by 10 overs, and with the darkening skies making life particularly difficult to bat in, Nomads were looking to secure enough runs for the winning draw. With just three required Alvechurch brought opener Reck back, but the light was insufficient for the game to continue and Jones, unbeaten on 51, saw self-preservation as the order of the day.

WORCESTER NOMADS II v

ALVECHURCH II

THE home tie saw a similar result, with Nomads just missing out on the winning draw in the gathering gloom.

The home side got off to a more than useful start. Chris Bland began the season in good form, making 64 before falling to a diving catch from Skidmore. Pearson provided support with 30, but the middle order were unable to capitalise, until young Geoff Taylor threw the bat towards the end on his way to 29no. The total of 198 was useful, but fell short of what the home side hoped.

Rain reduced the visitors allotted overs to a maximum 40, and whilst Nomads took early wickets, steadily falling rain made bowling difficult.

Alvechurch needed 160 for the winning draw in the 40 overs, and despite a couple of scares made it in the final over.

KAYS v WORCESTER NOMADS

NOMADS and Kays found themselves mixing and matching as they sought to play a friendly without the full compliment of 22 players on Sunday, with Kays eventually coming out on top by 91 runs.

Batting first Kays amassed 242-5, with McCann making 67, ably supported by Clark 46 and Mason 41. Lakin proved the only successful bowler, taking 4-50. Young Tom Longley again impressed, without taking a wicket, but only conceding 29 in 9 overs.

In reply Steve Bowman was the one shining Nomad, making a startling 122 from Nomads total of 151-8, with 7 6's and 12 4's. Only Lakin with 12 made it to double figures.

WORCESTER NOMADS

SUNDAY II v ALCESTER & RAGLEY

NOMADS Seconds lost their home game in a tight finish against Alcester & Ragley.

Winning the toss, Alcester put the home side in and Chris Marsh opened his account for the season with a fine unbeaten 100 before limping off with an injured ankle. Jamie Matts showed he is developing into a fine batsman, with an unbeaten 42, and Pearson also helped, with 41, before Nomads declared on 198-4.

In reply Alcester were indebted to opener Banes, who remained to the end, unbeaten on 73, and wicket-keeper Devey who made use of the short boundary on his way to 61. Nomads young bowlers, Chatfield, Allen and Isaacs fought hard to the end to keep the home side in the game, but Alcester duly wrapped the match up with five balls to spare.