OSWESTRY Cricket Club's efforts to beat the weather backfired on them on Saturday when they crashed to a 115-run defeat against Brewood at Morda Road.
Club members battled hard to ensure the game went ahead after heavy rain on Thursday and Friday. But ironically, Oswestry would have been far better off points-wise had the game been abandoned!
As it is, the Morda Road men are still sixth in the Birmingham League Division Three table, but they are now just seven points above the relegation zone, with four games to go.
With rain seemingly inevitable at some stage, Oswestry skipper Mark Robinson chose to field after winning the toss. Mudassir Pasha bowled a magnificent spell of 2-22 off his maximum of 17 overs, but visiting skipper Chris Pearce (70) led his side to 203-9 in their 53 overs. Sam Huxley picked up 5-45 with his off-spin.
Oswestry soon lost openers Pasha and Alex Huxley, and were up against it from then on. They slumped to just 88 all out, with skipper Robinson top-scoring on 17.
Oswestry face a crucial double-header this weekend when they visit Studley on Saturday, and take on Lichfield at Morda Road on Bank Holiday Monday (both noon).
Oswestry Seconds had to settle for a losing draw at Brewood in a rain-affected game.
The home side reached 194-6 declared in 46 overs, with Tim Bierley taking 3-66.
Oswestry then fell just short of their revised target for a winning draw, ending on 137-8 off 34 overs. Neil Wanless (41) and Peter Holloway (27) were the chief contributors.
The Bedouins Cricket Club is staging a charity spectacular at Oswestry's Morda Road ground on Sunday (August 29) - and it promises to be a great day out for all the family.
The event - Sixes for the Severn - will centre on a knockout cricket competition involving six teams - Bedouins, Trefonen, Oswestry Aardvarks, The Bell, The Oak and Cae Glas. And there will be plenty of other attractions, including a bouncy castle, face painting, bottle stall, cake stall, raffle/tombola, golf and football games. Offers of help for the day (umpires, scorers, etc) will be greatly appreciated, as will any donations or raffle prizes.
The cricket starts at 10.30, and the rest of the activities at noon. The fully licensed bar will also open at midday.
Entry to the afternoon events is free, but it is £10 to join in the after-match festivities in the clubhouse.
All funds raised will go to the Severn Hospice. For further details, or to make a donation, ring Andy Hall on 07764 178026.