Resurgent Bewdley sweep aside Corbett
9:36am Tuesday 13th May 2008
CRICKET: Bewdley emerged as winners from a one-sided derby clash in the Worcestershire Crusader League Division Two as Chaddesley Corbett slumped to a third defeat in a row on Saturday.
In a battle of the relegated sides from Division One last season, it was Bewdley who continued their upward curve to record their third win in succession and keep themselves top of the table.
Bewdley chairman Dave Meek said: "We wanted to start the season well and that's exactly what we did.
"We are waiting for Robbie Coombs to come back into the side, who has been one of our stronger players over the last few seasons.
"Once he returns I think we will be in a good position to go for promotion.
"We thought we had a good chance of beating Chaddesley Corbett, but there's a difference between being favourites and actually getting the points.
"We had to got out and be ruthless and that's just what we did."
Corbett started solidly but once they lost openers Matthew Yardley, who was bowled by Michael Harris, and Geoff Bayliss (22), removed by Tom Bayliss, the visitors were no match for Bewdley's bowling attack.
Harris, who took six wickets for 35 runs, continued to bowl well with help from Bayliss (3-32 off 16 overs).
Simon Robinson stubbornly made 31 not out as Corbett were dismissed for 97 runs in the 53rd over.
Bewdley recovered from the early loss of Martin Flack (1), who was removed by Tom Boden, and Ben Jones Jr, who fell victim to Calvin Ball.
Paul Beard took matters into his own hands and with the help of Mark Venross (19) hit 61 runs off 68 balls, as Bewdley made 101-3 in reply.
Bewdley's new overseas addition, 21-year-old South African Nabalesh Naidoo, also hit six runs on his debut.
Corbett captain Grant Bishop said: "We have lost the toss in our first three games and got nothing from them.
"It's obviously a pivotal moment so it's something I need to work on.
"On Saturday I felt that we put out our strongest line-up but we batted abysmally.
"Our strength is bowling, but we haven't given the bowlers a big enough total to have a real go yet."
Chaddesley take on Avoncroft in an important must-win league game on Saturday, before tackling Eastnor away in the Village Knockout Cup the following day.
"After three defeats it's important we try and get something from Avoncroft, they're just promoted and still finding their way," said Bishop.
"We then have Eastnor in the cup, which will give us a chance to give some of our bowlers a chance to play.
"It's a useful distraction from the league and a chance to boost our confidence."