Rain thwarts Evesham's pursuit of top spot

7:19pm Saturday 5th July 2008

RAIN finally put paid to Evesham's hopes of overhauling Penn's total of 203 in this afternoon's Birmingham and District Premier League second division clash at Avon Street.

After a couple of interruptions during the innings of the league leaders, Evesham only managed to face 16 and a half overs before the weather again deteriorated and the players were unable to get back out on to the field.

Penn had earlier been dismissed in the final over for 203 with Alex Harrison taking the last wicket in his 28th over to record magnificent figures of 7-74.

Abhishek Jhunjhunwala proved expensive as his 15 overs went for 71 runs but he did take two wickets.

Lee Nightingale was Penn's star turn as he hit 93 after the visitors had been reduced to 35-3.

A fourth wicket stand of 71 rescued the table toppers but Evesham's bowlers hit back to give themselves a realistic chance of victory.

However, they lost openers Chris Weaver and Andy Shorey with the target reduced by only five but Jhunjhunwala smacked seven boundaries in his unbeaten 35 before the rain returned with the reply on 57-3.