BIRMINGHAM and District Premier Cricket League Division Two leaders Leamington proved too strong for Eastnor with a 59-run reverse sending the Herefordshire side tumbling to the foot of the table.

But the travelling villagers contributed to their own downfall, as spokesman Malcolm Hughes acknowledged.

“Although the ground had dried up well after the rain, some water had got under the covers,” Hughes said.

“There was a mark on a length, but we didn’t take full advantage, apart from ShahidAhmed, who took 3-14 in 10 overs in a very good spell.

“And then, when we batted, we still had seven wickets in hand with nine overs of our innings left so we really should not have lost.”

In a match reduced to 33 overs a side, Eastnor won the toss and chose to bowl.

But Leamington, who included former international Neil Smith and were watched by his father, the ex-England captain Mike, batted strongly down the order and were able to get to 169-9.

“Their score was well above par in the conditions,” said Hughes.

Other wickets were claimed by Sajid Ali (2-39) and Faisal Khalid (3-38).

In reply, Sunil Rahi (22) and skipper Clive Chadhani (18) made runs early in the order and, with Tareq Jamil (39) playing his best innings for the club, Eastnor should have been on target for a draw.

However, wickets began to fall in quick succession in a variety of fashions – Shameer Ahmed was run-out without facing a ball and his uncle Shahid dragged one on from outside the leg stump first ball.

Eastnor, who host Halesowen tomorrow (noon), were all out for 110 with eight balls to spare.

Meanwhile, Aston Ingham won by four wickets at Dymock in a Gloucestershire League Division Three derby.

Dymock scored 130-7 in 35 overs, with David Williams (32) and Will Green (27) starring, while Karl Linney, Andrew Bevan and David Skyrme bagged two wickets each.

Aston Ingham cruised home on 131-6 in 26 overs, as opener Jack Carpenter (62) led the way. Matthew Windley claimed 3-29. Dymock thirds crashed to 34 all out in KW Bell Forest League Division Two, with visitors Eldersfield romping to a 10-wicket triumph.

Ledbury were denied by the weather, as the firsts and seconds saw their Marches League games cancelled.

The firsts will host Weobley in Division Two tomorrow, while the seconds visit Moccas in Division Three (both 2pm).