Vansh ‘Bajs’ a century as Whitchurch claim victory

Whitchurch remain in fifth spot after they recorded back-to-back victories with a thumping win over Allscott Heath on Saturday.

Batting first after their hosts inserted them, it was Vansh Bajaj who starred for the Heath Road outfit when he scored a fine century batting at number three ass the Whitchurch order was re-shuffled once more.

Bajaj came to the crease and began his innings after both Salim Ahmed and Matthew Batkin were out cheaply, with Whitchurch reduced to 26-2.

Elliott Bowen came to the crease and his 14 helped the visitors to 65-3 before he was caught by Joshua Morris off Calum Starling’s bowling.

Bajaj then put on 126 for the fourth wicket with Ijaz Yousaf, with the number three making most of the runs.

Yousaf was then run out for 47 by Norris as he fell short of a deserved half-century But Bajaj then went on to complete his century before he fell having put on a further 49 runs with Nadeem Ahmad, finishing 108 from 128 balls.

Ahmad finished 29 not out as Whitchurch completed their 50 overs on 254-8, putting their hosts under the cosh.

In reply, Allscott made a solid start, reaching 38 before Richard Benting was bowled by Whitchurch skipper Daniel Bowen for 26.

He was followed by Jason Allen straight away with a golden duck while Whitchurch then picked up wickets at regular intervals.

Shaun Rigby and Norris fought back with scores of 21 and 12 respectively before Bajaj and Ahmad struck and Allscott were dismissed for 109.

There were two wickets apiece for Bajaj, Ahmad, Aatif Ali, Daniel Bowen and one for Elliot Bowen and a run out from Daniel Bowen.

Meanwhile, the second XI were beaten at Heath Road in a low and slow-scoring clash with Much Wenlock’s first XI.

Batting first, Whitchurch struggled to reach three figures, finishing 91-9 from their 35 overs and they were helped out by the visitors conceding 34 extras.

Skipper Mike Ellis topscored with 18 before he was run out while Jack Batkin’s 11 was the only other score in double figures.

Oliver Pygott’s 3-20 was the pick of the visiting bowling.

In reply, Much Wenlock reached their target for the loss of four wickets, with Alex Heath taking two and one apiece for Jack Marvell and Jack Batkin.

On Sunday, the third XI were well-beaten by their Madeley’s third XI counterparts, by nine wickets.

With only eight players, who all played their hearts out, they were bowled out for 60 and the hosts chased their target for one wicket lost.