Bredon’s sides maintained their status in their respective divisions and will be back to fight again next season
Bredon Cricket Club First XI had an anxious end to the season as they waited to discover if they would remain in the Worcestershire County League’s Division II (First XIs).
Their fate rested on the results of the Feckenham versus Enville match as Bredon had lost at home to already-relegated Alvechurch.
Feckenham’s win at home settled their own promotion, providing certain conditions are met, and condemned Enville to Division Three cricket next season, as they needed a win to survive.
In Division Three (Second XIs) Alex Miller made 101 for Bredon in their victory at Alvechurch. Bredon finished the season third from bottom, and safe from relegation.
Well done to all the players who represented the club this season. Thanks, also, to those who gave their support at matches, gave lifts to away games, provided teas, served behind the bar, and helped with the running and maintenance of the club.
An assured batting display helped Bredon to victory over Kidderminster at Hill Close today.
The home side went to bat first on a glorious sunny day with a steady breeze helping to keep the players cool.
Johnny McGrath scored 60 runs, Simon Booth 54 and Simon Riches 47, a total that put Bredon’s Second XI in the driving seat against Kidderminster’s Fourths.
Later, a catch by Jamie Munro caught the eye and helped pin back the visitors.
Bredon finished 240 for 6, against Kidderminster’s 190 for 7.
Bitter blow. Bredon Under 12s lost to Alcester and Ragley in the Cotswold Hills League shield final
There was disappointment for Bredon’s plucky Under 12s, who lost out to Alcester and Ragley in the Cotswold Hills League shield final on Sunday.
The boys, who have been playing a year up all season, struggled to cope with their opponents’ superior bowling.
Alcester and Ragley finished winners with a score of 277 for 3 after a match played in brilliant sunshine at Evesham cricket ground.
Alcester and Ragley won the toss and elected to bowl, taking an early wicket with their second ball.
Bredon fought back with several boundaries from Ollie McGrath and some quick running between the wickets by Cole Notley. They ended their total after four overs at 229 for 2.
Alcester and Ragley took four wickets in quick succession, chipping away at Bredon’s total.
Bredon’s William Wilson and Eashan Patel deployed an array of defensive shots to keep the opposition’s accurate bowlers from taking more precious runs away from the total.
The third pair, Reuben Pawley and Luke Plane, fought back hard, putting the pressure back on Alcester and Ragley’s bowlers.
The last pair came to the crease with the score at 235 for 8 needing a successful four overs.
Reuben Ibbotson smashed two early boundaries to boost the Bredon’s total and confidence, but Alcester and Ragley bowled beautifully at the stumps to fight back with two quick wickets.
Dylan Simmonds played some lovely strokes at the other end to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Reuben finished off with a further two big hits, finishing Bredon on 253 for 11.
It was a terrific bowling and fielding display.
Alcester and Ragley took to the crease looking confident and ending their first four overs 220 for no wicket.
Dylan Simmonds struck first for Bredon with a first-ball wicket.
Alcester and Ragley pulled back with great batting and determination, raising the total to 244 for 2.
Reuben Pawley got Bredon’s second wicket.
Alcester took the driving seat, adding runs with ease over the next four overs before Luke Plane hit the stumps to give Bredon a boost.
Alcester took the lead at 269 for 3, with Bredon needing wickets to win.
William Wilson, Cole Notley and Rueben Ibbotson bowled tight, only conceding four runs off the bat.
A big thanks to both teams for a great final that was played at a high standard with great sportsmanship.
Thanks also to Mark Dixon, Jon Bassett and his wife for making the day a success as always, with the use of the great facilities.
There was enthusiastic support for today’s Under 9s festival at Bredon Cricket Club.
Six teams gathered at Hill Close in mild but overcast weather for a cracking day of junior cricket.
The festival was organised by second teamer Mark Notley, with help from Sean Styles and Glenn Buckley, and their hard work was recognised by an appreciative crowd of parents and visitors, who offered warm encouragement to the young players.
As well as the cricket, there was a barbecue staffed by Jennie Warren and Mandy Clements-Hunt; a tea, coffee and cake stall organised by Lucy Washbourne, hit-the-wicket competition, and prize raffle. Will Rollett kept the drinks flowing behind the bar, while Jacob and Ollie volunteered as umpires.
Although the day started off warm and dry, it became cooler later and the festival had to be hurriedly concluded when it began raining.
There was a short prize-giving ceremony in the clubhouse.
Both Dumbleton and Bredon finished the day with 10 points, but Dumbleton were declared winners having conceded fewer wickets.
Tewkesbury claimed third place with eight points and fewer wickets conceded than any other team finishing with eight points.
There are lots of pictures from the day on our Facebook page.
Bredon Cricket Club’s over 11s enjoyed a 12-run win over Bretforton
Some solid fielding combined with touches of adventurous batting helped Bredon’s under 11s clinch a 12-run victory over Bretforton at Hill Close this morning.
Highlights included some first-rate bowling from Jamie Reid.
There are lots more pictures from the match on our Facebook page.
With the season now well under way, it’s time for the first in an occasional series of updates about our teams’ progress.
Click on the links in the menu bar on the left to keep up to date with fixtures and results.
First XI
Poor weather disrupted pre-season preparations for all our senior teams, and the First XI were no exception.
They have had a mixed start to the season, chalking up two wins and a draw from five games (one match, against Coombs Wood, was abandoned).
Second XI
The Second XI have had similar fortunes, enjoying two wins from four matches (two games were abandoned).
Third XI
With only two league games played (a third was abandoned), it is still early days for the Third XI, who are chasing their first win.
Under 11s
The under 11s have made a great start to the season and are starting to demonstrate the skills they have worked so hard at in training in match situations.
Fielding, calling and running between the wickets have been particularly impressive.
The team responded well to a defeat in their first game of the season, a friendly against a strong Alcester and Ragley side, and have since recorded large-margin victories in two other league games they played.
Glenn Buckley
Under 12s
The under 12s have had a great start to the season in their first three league matches, with confident wins and great all-round performances by all.
The boys have come on loads in cricket skills and working as a team on the pitch, with lots of encouraging and supporting each other and, most importantly, enjoying the game.
The boys are a great bunch of players growing in ability and confidence, and they surprise me each week.
Look out for details soon of an under nines festival we are hosting at Bredon.
