Towcestrians entertained Helmdon at Greens Norton Road on Saturday and despite the best efforts of the weather, managed to secure a win! The true benefit of using wicket covers was evident as several games were abandoned.

Towcestrians skipper Kevin Hawkins won the toss and elected to field.

James Kirk opened the bowling and was unplayable, conceding only 2 runs in his 7 over spell. It was a fine display of swing bowling and he was unlucky only to take 1 wicket. Andy Cater, back from his winter training camp, shared the new ball and bagged three wickets in a tidy 10 over spell, conceding 26runs in the process. After an uncertain start Cater settled into his spell and made things difficult for the Helmdon batsmen. Veteran wicket keeper John English made an early season appearance, demonstrating some clean glove work and avoiding his traditional first game injury scare!

The visitors never really got going with opener Rob Allee occupying the crease for a long period for his 16 runs and Tom Hirst swinging the bat to accumulate 18 mid innings.

Nick Hulatt, another returning this season after a spell on the sidelines with injury, took 4 wickets in 8overs conceding 16runs. Youngster Ed Penn also contributed with 5overs 1wicket for 23runs.

Helmdon were bowled out in 29overs and finished on 68runs.

The heavens opened at tea time and after a short break to clear away the ‘hail’ stones Tows openers Ollie Drage and James Kirk got the run chase off to a steady start before Ollie Drage, last weeks hero with the bat, played a rash stroke and was bowled by Tom Hirst. James Kirk was joined by David Roberts and accelerated the run rate to close in on the target. Kirk’s wicket was also taken by Hirst when he was on 40. Tom Sheppard joined Roberts and the pair took their time to ensure Towcestrians secured their second win of the season.

Next week Tows are home to Wardington.