Henley bowler is Key to side’s success at neighbours

A SPECTACULAR spell of bowling from Chris Key fired Henley to an unlikely victory at neighbours Great Alne to maintain their title challenge at the top of Division Three of the Cotswold Hills League.

The all-rounder top scored for his side in a low scoring contest but then dazzled with the ball, taking 8-18 from his eight overs to secure a 27-run victory for his side.

Henley skipper James Bramwell won the toss and opted to bat, a decision that looked to have played onto their hosts’ hands when the bowling of Joe Walters and Noman Muhammad had them struggling on 24/3 with opener Rich Butler Saleem Jan both going for a duck.

But with Key holding his ground at the other end on his way to 30 off 42 balls, the scoreboard ticked along until the visitors were all out for just 91 after 22 overs.

Muhammad finished with 5-40 from his ten overs, Walters took 3-30 from his ten and Richard Brereton took 2-4 from his solitary over.

Great Alne, who this year celebrate their 125th anniversary, made a solid start to their innings with openers Jack Lawrence and Tom Alder putting on 39 until the former fell to Key for 27.

Alder made a resolute 15 off 73 balls but others were unable to deal with Henley’s demon bowler with no other batsman reaching double figures as the home sides slumped to 64 all out in the 32nd over.

Jan impressed with 1-9 from his ten overs with Ishan Khan taking 1-15 from his 9.3 overs.

The win, and the 19 points, mean Henley remain in second – one point ahead of Tanworth and Camp Hill 2nds and 11 points adrift of Shipston 2nds.

Elsewhere in Division Three, Welford climbed into the top half of the table thanks to a 141-run win at Wellesbourne 2nds helped by an unbeaten 63 from Charlie Tyler before Mark Weston took 5-20. Claverdon lost by six wickets at Tanworth and Camp Hill 2nds and Earlswood lost by three wickets at home to Broadway.

Windsor Castle will play a part in Great Alne’s 125th anniversary celebrations after a match was arranged with the members of the royal household. The contest, earmarked for the end of August, is one of a series of events to mark the village side’s special year.

A fun day has already been staged at club’s impressive Henley Road ground which attracted locals, families and friends of players and the celebrations will continue with a dinner dance later in the season.