Saturday 30 April
Old Hill (20 points) 172 – 7 beat Cleobury Mortimer (5 points) 171 by 3 wickets.
The Third XI played hosts to Cleobury Mortimer at Haden Hill where the players and officials wearing black armbands, lined up before the start of the game for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for their team-mate Neil Pestridge. Old Hill won the toss and elected to field first and thanks to some generally tight bowling from Dan Jones (3 – 18), George Derham (3 – 31) and Jon Baig (2 – 45) they were bowled out for 171 in 43.2 overs with Tom Redfern top scoring with 42 not out. The hosts got off to a good start with Joe Thorn (42) and Reece Shilvock (27) setting the foundations for victory but Old Hill began to lose wickets cheaply and were struggling at 138 – 7 wickets off 31 overs. Omar Lewis (20 not out) then joined Steve Derham (33 not out) and they saw the hosts home for a victory by 3 wickets with some sensible batting with 10 overs remaining. Manley finished with 5 – 57 for the visitors.
The Third XI played hosts to Cleobury Mortimer at Haden Hill where the players and officials wearing black armbands, lined up before the start of the game for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for their team-mate Neil Pestridge. Old Hill won the toss and elected to field first and thanks to some generally tight bowling from Dan Jones (3 – 18), George Derham (3 – 31) and Jon Baig (2 – 45) they were bowled out for 171 in 43.2 overs with Tom Redfern top scoring with 42 not out. The hosts got off to a good start with Joe Thorn (42) and Reece Shilvock (27) setting the foundations for victory but Old Hill began to lose wickets cheaply and were struggling at 138 – 7 wickets off 31 overs. Omar Lewis (20 not out) then joined Steve Derham (33 not out) and they saw the hosts home for a victory by 3 wickets with some sensible batting with 10 overs remaining. Manley finished with 5 – 57 for the visitors.
Saturday 7 May
Halesowen versus Old Hill, match postponed.
The Third XI game due to be played at the Earls Ground, Halesowen, did not take place as the ground was unfit due to lack of preparation and the inclement weather overnight.
The Third XI game due to be played at the Earls Ground, Halesowen, did not take place as the ground was unfit due to lack of preparation and the inclement weather overnight.
Saturday 14 May
Old Hill (15 points) 240 – 6 drew with Hanley Castle (4 points) 160 - 4.
The Third XI game at Wassell Grove against Hanley Castle was also badly affected by frequent heavy showers. Old Hill batted first and thanks to some excellent batting by Dan Such (95) and Steve Derham (56) they scored 240 – 6 wickets off their 50 overs. Following further rainstorms, Hanley Castle needed to score 217 to get a winning draw off 45 overs. However, the host’s attack ably led by Dan Such (2 wickets) and Dan Jones (2 wickets) kept the visitor’s batsmen in a tight grip and they could only reach 160 – 4 wickets giving Old Hill the extra 2 points for a winning draw as Hanley Castle did not score 75% of the average runs per over posted in the first innings. Dan Such gave a “man of the match” performance.
Saturday 21 May
Old Elizabethans (2 points) 170 lost to Old Hill (20 points) 171 – 2 by 8 wickets.
The Third XI travelled to Old Elizabethans and having won the toss chose to field and thanks to some very tight and hostile bowling from Winston Lewis (3 – 43), Luke Fisher (3 – 31) and Dan Such (2 – 17) the home side were bowled out for 170 runs in 29.3 overs. The visitors replied with some solid batting with Steve Derham (78 not out) and Luke Fisher (59 not out) leading the charge and they completed a very good all round team performance as Old Hill won by 8 wickets finishing on 171 – 2 in 33.2 overs. Luke Fisher added an unbeaten half century to his previous return of three wickets, to complete a very satisfying individual performance.
Old Hill (15 points) 240 – 6 drew with Hanley Castle (4 points) 160 - 4.
The Third XI game at Wassell Grove against Hanley Castle was also badly affected by frequent heavy showers. Old Hill batted first and thanks to some excellent batting by Dan Such (95) and Steve Derham (56) they scored 240 – 6 wickets off their 50 overs. Following further rainstorms, Hanley Castle needed to score 217 to get a winning draw off 45 overs. However, the host’s attack ably led by Dan Such (2 wickets) and Dan Jones (2 wickets) kept the visitor’s batsmen in a tight grip and they could only reach 160 – 4 wickets giving Old Hill the extra 2 points for a winning draw as Hanley Castle did not score 75% of the average runs per over posted in the first innings. Dan Such gave a “man of the match” performance.
Saturday 21 May
Old Elizabethans (2 points) 170 lost to Old Hill (20 points) 171 – 2 by 8 wickets.
The Third XI travelled to Old Elizabethans and having won the toss chose to field and thanks to some very tight and hostile bowling from Winston Lewis (3 – 43), Luke Fisher (3 – 31) and Dan Such (2 – 17) the home side were bowled out for 170 runs in 29.3 overs. The visitors replied with some solid batting with Steve Derham (78 not out) and Luke Fisher (59 not out) leading the charge and they completed a very good all round team performance as Old Hill won by 8 wickets finishing on 171 – 2 in 33.2 overs. Luke Fisher added an unbeaten half century to his previous return of three wickets, to complete a very satisfying individual performance.
Saturday 28 May
Stourbridge (0 points) 65 lost to Old Hill (20 points) 66 – 2 by 8 wickets.
The Third XI visited King Edwards School Ground for their League game against Stourbridge and came away with a thoroughly deserved victory. Batting first, the hosts were soon bowled out for 66 in 32 overs with Winston Lewis (4 – 15), Dan Such (2 – 10), Ravi Nagra (2 – 13) and Ollie Moseley (1 – 8) sharing the wickets. Old Hill then had no trouble in coasting to victory in 12 overs by 8 wickets as Jon Baig Jnr (27) and George Derham (23 not out) helped the visitors claim the 20 points win which took them to the top of the League.
The Third XI visited King Edwards School Ground for their League game against Stourbridge and came away with a thoroughly deserved victory. Batting first, the hosts were soon bowled out for 66 in 32 overs with Winston Lewis (4 – 15), Dan Such (2 – 10), Ravi Nagra (2 – 13) and Ollie Moseley (1 – 8) sharing the wickets. Old Hill then had no trouble in coasting to victory in 12 overs by 8 wickets as Jon Baig Jnr (27) and George Derham (23 not out) helped the visitors claim the 20 points win which took them to the top of the League.
Saturday 4 June
Old Hill (20 points) 211 – 6 beat Ross-on-Wye (6 points) 210 – 9 by 4 wickets.
The Third XI maintained their good form against Ross-on-Wye at Wassell Grove. Choosing to field first, Old Hill restricted the visitors to a total of 210 – 9 wickets off 50 overs with excellent bowling from Ollie Moseley (5 – 52) and Dan Such (2 – 42) off his 15 overs. The Old Hill innings was reduced by a maximum of 44 overs due to a heavy shower during the interval but their batsmen made light work of the task as Jack Ellis (52), Jon Baig Jnr (40) and a fine 52 not out by Moseley to add to his 5 wickets haul, gave the hosts victory in the 39th over as they totalled 211 – 6 wickets. They remain top of the Table.
Old Hill (20 points) 211 – 6 beat Ross-on-Wye (6 points) 210 – 9 by 4 wickets.
The Third XI maintained their good form against Ross-on-Wye at Wassell Grove. Choosing to field first, Old Hill restricted the visitors to a total of 210 – 9 wickets off 50 overs with excellent bowling from Ollie Moseley (5 – 52) and Dan Such (2 – 42) off his 15 overs. The Old Hill innings was reduced by a maximum of 44 overs due to a heavy shower during the interval but their batsmen made light work of the task as Jack Ellis (52), Jon Baig Jnr (40) and a fine 52 not out by Moseley to add to his 5 wickets haul, gave the hosts victory in the 39th over as they totalled 211 – 6 wickets. They remain top of the Table.
Saturday 18 June
Old Hill (6 points) 140 – 8 drew with Bromsgrove (14 points) 186 - 8.
In this Table topping clash at Wassell Grove, the Third XI, having won the toss, asked Bromsgrove to bat first and they scored 186 – 8 wickets from their 50 overs with young George Derham finishing with 6 – 48 from his 17 overs in another rain affected game. Old Hill’s reply was then reduced to 6 overs and in spite of a good batting performance by Steve Derham (43 not out), they fell short of their revised target and had to settle for a losing draw.
Old Hill (6 points) 140 – 8 drew with Bromsgrove (14 points) 186 - 8.
In this Table topping clash at Wassell Grove, the Third XI, having won the toss, asked Bromsgrove to bat first and they scored 186 – 8 wickets from their 50 overs with young George Derham finishing with 6 – 48 from his 17 overs in another rain affected game. Old Hill’s reply was then reduced to 6 overs and in spite of a good batting performance by Steve Derham (43 not out), they fell short of their revised target and had to settle for a losing draw.
Saturday 25 June
Claverley (3pts) 155 lost to Old Hill (20pts) 156-4 by 6 wckts.
After winning the toss Old Hill 3rd XI invited Claverley to bat, and were soon amongst the wickets aided by three catches behind the stumps by Karl Jones. Ollie Moseley was the pick of the visitors bowlers with 4-35 as the hosts were bowled out for 155 in 42 overs. In reply Old Hill made good progress with the bat and reached their target in 33 overs to complete their victory by 6 wickets. Hamza Ahmed (63 n.o.) top scored for the visitors with Steve Derham
(36) close behind.
Saturday 2 July
Cleobury Mortimer (24 points) 225 – 7 beat Old Hill (3 points) 123 by 102 runs.
A weakened Third XI were no match for Cleobury Mortimer at the Love Lane Ground. Old Hill won the toss and chose to field and the hosts scored 225 – 7 wickets off their 50 overs. For the visitors, Nathan Davies took 4 – 37 off 9 overs and Richard Lloyd 2 – 54 from his 15 overs were the pick of the bowlers. In reply, Old Hill’s inexperienced team never got to terms with the task in hand and were bowled out for 123 runs with only Mitch Jeffery (39) showing any resistance as the home side ran out winners by 123 runs.
Cleobury Mortimer (24 points) 225 – 7 beat Old Hill (3 points) 123 by 102 runs.
A weakened Third XI were no match for Cleobury Mortimer at the Love Lane Ground. Old Hill won the toss and chose to field and the hosts scored 225 – 7 wickets off their 50 overs. For the visitors, Nathan Davies took 4 – 37 off 9 overs and Richard Lloyd 2 – 54 from his 15 overs were the pick of the bowlers. In reply, Old Hill’s inexperienced team never got to terms with the task in hand and were bowled out for 123 runs with only Mitch Jeffery (39) showing any resistance as the home side ran out winners by 123 runs.
Saturday 9 July
Old Hill (24 points) 242 – 8 beat Halesowen (4 points)146 by 96 runs.
In the Third XI game at Wassell Grove against local rivals Halesowen, Old Hill batted first and amassed a huge total of 242 – 8 wickets off their 50 overs with young Hamza Ahmed (42), Ravi Nagra (57), Winston Lewis (44) and Captain Maurice Whyte (34) leading the way. In reply, the visitors were never in the hunt for victory as the hosts’ bowlers held them in a vice-like grip and they were eventually bowled out for 146 in the 49th over. Best bowlers for Old Hill were Mitch Jeffery (3 – 23), and Winston Lewis (3 – 29) ably assisted by George Derham (3 – 5) as they ran out winners by a massive 96 runs.
In the Third XI game at Wassell Grove against local rivals Halesowen, Old Hill batted first and amassed a huge total of 242 – 8 wickets off their 50 overs with young Hamza Ahmed (42), Ravi Nagra (57), Winston Lewis (44) and Captain Maurice Whyte (34) leading the way. In reply, the visitors were never in the hunt for victory as the hosts’ bowlers held them in a vice-like grip and they were eventually bowled out for 146 in the 49th over. Best bowlers for Old Hill were Mitch Jeffery (3 – 23), and Winston Lewis (3 – 29) ably assisted by George Derham (3 – 5) as they ran out winners by a massive 96 runs.
Saturday 16 July
Hanley Castle (5 points) v Old Hill (5 points) match abandoned.
Similar conditions at Hanley Castle where the Third XI were due to play their W.C.L. game meant that no play was possible there either.
Similar conditions at Hanley Castle where the Third XI were due to play their W.C.L. game meant that no play was possible there either.
Saturday 23 July
Old Hill (24pts) 184 beat Old Elizabethans (4pts) 87 by 97 runs
Having lost the toss the 3rd XI were invited to bat first in their game at Wassell Grove against Old Elizabethans, and Old Hill’s batsmen got off to a very poor start which just got worse, and at 47-7 wkts looked to be staring defeat in the face. However, a magnificent effort from the lower order of Joel Foster (57), Danny Clayes (43) and Winston Lewis (31), gave the hosts hope as they posted a total of 184 in 44.1 overs, with Adam Hunaban taking 6-38 for the visitors. Then the Old Elizabethans batsmen also found the going tough as they were reduced to 46-8 wkts before a late rally took their score to 87 all out in the 33rd over. Winston Lewis took 5-24 to add to his batting heroics, aided by Jack Ellis (3-11) and Danny Clayes (1-16) as Old Hill ran out winners by 97 runs in the 33rd over.
Having lost the toss the 3rd XI were invited to bat first in their game at Wassell Grove against Old Elizabethans, and Old Hill’s batsmen got off to a very poor start which just got worse, and at 47-7 wkts looked to be staring defeat in the face. However, a magnificent effort from the lower order of Joel Foster (57), Danny Clayes (43) and Winston Lewis (31), gave the hosts hope as they posted a total of 184 in 44.1 overs, with Adam Hunaban taking 6-38 for the visitors. Then the Old Elizabethans batsmen also found the going tough as they were reduced to 46-8 wkts before a late rally took their score to 87 all out in the 33rd over. Winston Lewis took 5-24 to add to his batting heroics, aided by Jack Ellis (3-11) and Danny Clayes (1-16) as Old Hill ran out winners by 97 runs in the 33rd over.
Saturday 30 July
Old Hill (24 points) 146 beat Stourbridge (4 points) 81 by 65 runs.
The Third XI maintained their challenge for the League title with a comprehensive victory over local rivals Stourbridge at Wassell Grove. Having won the toss, Captain Maurice Whyte decided to bat first but could only post a modest total of 146 off 37.3 overs with Winston Lewis (29) the top scorer. The Stourbridge reply never really got started as the hosts bowlers were on top throughout the innings and they were bowled out for 81 in 25 overs. Lewis this time starred with the ball taking 6 – 49 closely followed by Richard Lloyd with 3 – 8 plus two catches and a special mention for Joel Foster who came up with a match winning catch as Old Hill completed their victory.
The Third XI maintained their challenge for the League title with a comprehensive victory over local rivals Stourbridge at Wassell Grove. Having won the toss, Captain Maurice Whyte decided to bat first but could only post a modest total of 146 off 37.3 overs with Winston Lewis (29) the top scorer. The Stourbridge reply never really got started as the hosts bowlers were on top throughout the innings and they were bowled out for 81 in 25 overs. Lewis this time starred with the ball taking 6 – 49 closely followed by Richard Lloyd with 3 – 8 plus two catches and a special mention for Joel Foster who came up with a match winning catch as Old Hill completed their victory.
Saturday 6 August
Ross-on-Wye (6 points) 202 lost to Old Hill (24 points) 203 – 5 by 5 wickets.
The Third XI visited third placed Ross-on-Wye in a crunch game at the top of the League as the season reaches its climax and came away with a well earned victory. Ross batted first and made a total of 202 all out in 46 overs as excellent bowling by Dan Such (2 – 25), Richard Lloyd (2 – 40) and Nick Couzens kept a tight grip on the hosts batsmen. In reply, veteran Alan Neal and Dan Such (44) set Old Hill on the road to victory with an opening partnership of 72 runs, well backed up by Reece Shilvock (34) and Ollie Moseley (59 not out) as the visitors eased their way to victory by 5 wickets in 43.3 overs to go clear at the top of the Table with just three games remaining.
The Third XI visited third placed Ross-on-Wye in a crunch game at the top of the League as the season reaches its climax and came away with a well earned victory. Ross batted first and made a total of 202 all out in 46 overs as excellent bowling by Dan Such (2 – 25), Richard Lloyd (2 – 40) and Nick Couzens kept a tight grip on the hosts batsmen. In reply, veteran Alan Neal and Dan Such (44) set Old Hill on the road to victory with an opening partnership of 72 runs, well backed up by Reece Shilvock (34) and Ollie Moseley (59 not out) as the visitors eased their way to victory by 5 wickets in 43.3 overs to go clear at the top of the Table with just three games remaining.
Saturday 13 August
Old Hill (7 points) 189 lost to Barnt Green (24 points) 236 by 47 runs.
The Third XI won the toss in their game at Wassell Grove against Barnt Green and chose to field. The visitors batsmen got off to a reasonable start and eventually posted a total of 236 assisted by 8 dropped catches as they were bowled out in the 50th over. Best bowler for Old Hill was Danny Clayes with 4 – 43. In reply, the only home batsman to get going was Reece Shilvock who remained unbeaten on 73 as the Old Hill innings closed on 189 in the 38th over. Although beaten Old Hill remain on top of the Table.
Old Hill (7 points) 189 lost to Barnt Green (24 points) 236 by 47 runs.
The Third XI won the toss in their game at Wassell Grove against Barnt Green and chose to field. The visitors batsmen got off to a reasonable start and eventually posted a total of 236 assisted by 8 dropped catches as they were bowled out in the 50th over. Best bowler for Old Hill was Danny Clayes with 4 – 43. In reply, the only home batsman to get going was Reece Shilvock who remained unbeaten on 73 as the Old Hill innings closed on 189 in the 38th over. Although beaten Old Hill remain on top of the Table.
Saturday 20 August
Bromsgrove (1 point) 138 lost to Old Hill (20 points) 139 – 2 by 8 wickets.
The Third XI visited fellow title contenders Bromsgrove in a top of the Table clash at St Godwalds Park. Again, having won the toss they chose to field and after a slow start the visitors bowlers got to work. Dan Such (4 – 26) and Chris Round (2 – 23) started the ball rolling and then Winston Lewis took 4 wickets for 33 runs, including a hat-trick, as the home side were shot out for 138 in just 34 overs with only Walker (36) showing any resistance to the rampant Old Hill attack. In reply, the visitors batsmen were virtually untroubled as Dan Such (46), Chris Round (41) and Reece Shilvock (28 not out) led the charge for victory in 22.2 overs for an 8 wicket victory to ensure promotion to Division 4 of the WCL. They now require just 3 points in the last game of the season to be crowned champions.
The Third XI visited fellow title contenders Bromsgrove in a top of the Table clash at St Godwalds Park. Again, having won the toss they chose to field and after a slow start the visitors bowlers got to work. Dan Such (4 – 26) and Chris Round (2 – 23) started the ball rolling and then Winston Lewis took 4 wickets for 33 runs, including a hat-trick, as the home side were shot out for 138 in just 34 overs with only Walker (36) showing any resistance to the rampant Old Hill attack. In reply, the visitors batsmen were virtually untroubled as Dan Such (46), Chris Round (41) and Reece Shilvock (28 not out) led the charge for victory in 22.2 overs for an 8 wicket victory to ensure promotion to Division 4 of the WCL. They now require just 3 points in the last game of the season to be crowned champions.
Saturday 27 August
Old Hill (9 points) 263 – 6 dec. drew with Claverley (14 points) 245 - 7.
The Third XI played hosts to Claverley at Wassall Grove in their vital final game of the season knowing that they needed just 3 points to clinch the championship following last week’s promotion. So having won the toss, they chose to bat in far from ideal conditions. Having lost an early wicket, Old Hill’s veteran Alan Neal (7) was joined by Ollie Moseley (60) and they put together a second wicket stand of 58 before both were removed. This brought together Reece Shilvock and Steve Derham as the hosts closed in on the 175 runs needed to gain 3 bonus points and secure the title. This was accomplished with ease as the partnership blossomed before finally being ended when Shilvock was out for an excellent 87. Derham continued to prosper before being out for 53 in the 48th over at which point Captain Maurice Whyte decided to declare the innings closed with the score on 263 – 6 wickets. For the visitors, Kadil and Mills took 2 wickets each. At the interval between innings, Old Hill’s Maurice Whyte was presented with the Championship Shield by WCL Chairman Steve Blight. Then it was on with the game but as the Claverley batsmen got to the wicket the rains came and the match was delayed for 50 minutes. After a quick calculation, it was established that Claverley needed 206 runs to achieve a winning draw from the 39 overs remaining. This target was reached with some ease as the Old Hill bowlers took their foot off the pedal. However, the match continued as both sides battled for victory and the visitors Tom Grainger reached his century. The game finished in semi-darkness with Claverley posting a creditable 245 – 7 wickets when the overs ran out, the game ending with an exciting draw. Best bowler for Old Hill was Danny Clayes with 3 wickets. The team then retired to the pavilion to celebrate the winning of the League title and a second successive promotion.
The Third XI played hosts to Claverley at Wassall Grove in their vital final game of the season knowing that they needed just 3 points to clinch the championship following last week’s promotion. So having won the toss, they chose to bat in far from ideal conditions. Having lost an early wicket, Old Hill’s veteran Alan Neal (7) was joined by Ollie Moseley (60) and they put together a second wicket stand of 58 before both were removed. This brought together Reece Shilvock and Steve Derham as the hosts closed in on the 175 runs needed to gain 3 bonus points and secure the title. This was accomplished with ease as the partnership blossomed before finally being ended when Shilvock was out for an excellent 87. Derham continued to prosper before being out for 53 in the 48th over at which point Captain Maurice Whyte decided to declare the innings closed with the score on 263 – 6 wickets. For the visitors, Kadil and Mills took 2 wickets each. At the interval between innings, Old Hill’s Maurice Whyte was presented with the Championship Shield by WCL Chairman Steve Blight. Then it was on with the game but as the Claverley batsmen got to the wicket the rains came and the match was delayed for 50 minutes. After a quick calculation, it was established that Claverley needed 206 runs to achieve a winning draw from the 39 overs remaining. This target was reached with some ease as the Old Hill bowlers took their foot off the pedal. However, the match continued as both sides battled for victory and the visitors Tom Grainger reached his century. The game finished in semi-darkness with Claverley posting a creditable 245 – 7 wickets when the overs ran out, the game ending with an exciting draw. Best bowler for Old Hill was Danny Clayes with 3 wickets. The team then retired to the pavilion to celebrate the winning of the League title and a second successive promotion.
