Wedge delighted with opening day draw (From Dudley News)

Wedge delighted with opening day draw

11:40am Thursday 3rd May 2012 in Cricket

STUART Wedge says Himley have been given a huge bonus after beating the weather last Saturday.

The Stourbridge Road outfit are top of the Birmingham League Premier Division after picking up a home winning draw against Leamington Spa, in one of only two games to take place on the opening weekend of the season.

Openers Greg Wright (64) and Chris Tranter (69) set the tone with a 151-run partnership after the hosts had lost the toss and been asked to bat on a tricky pitch in unfavourable conditions.

And after posting 243-2 from 47 overs, Himley came within two wickets of claiming an outright victory as Leamington held on to finish on 215-8.

Wedge, who finished the home innings unbeaten on 44, said: “It was a remarkable performance. I could not have asked for anything more.

“Had we won the toss, I would definitely have bowled. It would have been a very brave captain who would have chosen to bat in those conditions.

“But Chris and Greg did superbly to see off the new ball and then upped the rate as they went along.”

Dan Smith took 6-65 as Leamington stuttered to 135-6 but a stubborn stand of 63 between Luke Radford (65) and James Uddin (33) was enough to stop Himley taking the win.

Wedge added: “It would have been nice to get the last two wickets but given the situation and the fact we managed to get a game in, we have to be pleased.

“It’s a real bonus for us to have picked up points on a day most other sides didn’t play.”

Himley travel to Wellington this Saturday and the skipper is expecting a tough challenge against one of the division’s under-stated sides.

He said: “They finished third last year after a great late season surge and there is no way we can take them lightly.”