2:40pm Tuesday 26th August 2008
By Sportsdesk
EVESHAM'S Birmingham League Division Two promotion hopes received a huge boost on Saturday when they completed the double over title rivals Smethwick.
However, two days later, there was disappointment and controversy in defeat at Aston Manor.
Indian all-rounder Abhishek Jhunjhunwala was again in marvellous form with both bat and ball and his unbeaten century guided Jon Gregory's side to a seven-wicket success on Saturday.
He had earlier taken three wickets as the visitors were restricted to 169-9 in their 55 overs with Alex Harrison producing a superb 21-over stint that brought analysis of 5-67.
Openers Chris Weaver and Dan Sproule both failed to reach double figures but the arrival of the Indian at the crease saw to it that there was only going to be one winner.
Jhunjhunwala found a most useful ally in Nathan Gage as the third wicket pair added a century partnership to steer the hosts within reach of the target.
Gage fell for a solid 45 and it was left to the Indian ace to complete his third ton of the summer while completing another important win for the Avonsiders with a six.
The success lifted Evesham to within 15 points of top spot but Monday’s three-wicket loss was a huge blow.
After being inserted on a wet track, the visitors were skittled for a meagre 115 with only Nick Powell showing any real form with the bat with a top score of 32.
Gregory’s men made a real fist of things after tea and reduced the chasers to 85-7 helped by three wickets for Powell who also engineered a fabulous run-out.
The game then turned on a decision by an umpire who was the only person on the ground not to hear a nick off the bat of Ateeq Javed off the bowling of Alex Harrison and the Warwickshire Academy player ended undefeated on 43 and his side the winners.
Evesham must bounce back starting at Berkswell on Saturday when there is still everything to play for.
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