HIMBLETON'S outstanding team display burst the bubble of Worcestershire League Division Two leaders Bromyard. 

A commanding 316-7 was too much for the visitors as Himbleton secured their first win of the season in comprehensive fashion by 143 runs.

Openers Jon Critchlow (62) and Richard Sugden (63) were in command as they seized on anything loose to build an opening partnership of 126 in the first 20 overs.

Critchlow was particularly ruthless as he raced to his 50 off just 40 balls.

After brief cameos from Ali Pretty (18) and Sean Jenkins (13), Mike Rogers (63) took up the attack as Himbleton moved through the gears.

He was ably supported by the middle order of Jamie Alford (24) and Stuart Dickenson (20 not out) who took advantage of a tiring bowling attack to take 90 off the last 10 overs.

The final total was particularly impressive given the unpredictable nature of the wicket.

A confident Bromyard side took a cavalier approach to the chase.

It did not pay off as they lost three crucial early wickets.

The dangerous Josh Van Rensburg and Edd Oliver fell to Rob Perrins (2-44) without scoring while Zahid Saeed (12) was snapped up by Sam Jenkins (1-45).

But opener Nick Leighton (98) batted without fear and struck the ball to all parts in a singled-handed attempt to win the game for Bromyard.

However, the introduction of spinner Sugden (3-23) and pace bowler Rogers (3-19) turned the game in Himbleton’s favour. 

Sugden picked up a wicket with his first ball and Rogers recovered from a poor first over to run through the lower order having taken the key wicket of Leighton thanks to a catch from Critchlow. 

Bromyard were finally dismissed for 173 in the 34th over.

Skipper Dickenson said: “That was a superb team performance. Everyone pulled their weight and we thoroughly deserved the win.

“I’m feeling a mixture of relief and pride. Relieved the monkey is off our back and we’ve got our first win. But mostly I’m proud of the lads who have stuck to the task every game and finally got their reward.

"Let’s hope it’s the start of something and not a one-off.”

Himbleton visit local rivals Droitwich on Saturday.