Piolet’s six of the best halt Leamington’s charge

Having delayed the start of play until 3.55pm due to a wet outfield and wicket, Leamington lost the toss and were asked to bat.

They were soon one wicket down as Steff Piolet dismissed David Bailey in the first over.

However, Leamington recovered thanks to the returning duo of Alex Phillips (24) and Will Tavare (33) before Phillips was unfortunately run out backing up at the non-striker’s end.

An aggressive 28 from Sam Cheshire and 19 from Jason Young looked like taking Leamington to 150 but Warwickshire all-rounder Piolet mixed his pace intelligently to return excellent figures of six for 40 as the visitors closed their 25 overs on 132 for nine.

An excellent opening burst from Jason Young (7.5-1-30-2) and Faisal Khalid (8-1-43-0) reduced Knowle to 29 for two before Sam Reddish (48no) and Attiq Chishti (62no) combined in an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 107 to see the hosts home with seven balls to spare.

Knowle And Dorridge 2nds had much the better of a draw against their Leamington counterparts at Arlington Avenue.

Knowle batted first on a good wicket, though the outfield remained damp throughout following heavy overnight rain.

Their innings was built round an imperious display from Alec Baker, who carried his bat through 50 overs, richly deserving his mammoth 158 not out.

He was well-supported by David Myers, who made 28, as the visitors closed on an imposing 256 for seven in 50 overs. Darrel Williams (3-71) was the pick of the Spa attack.

Leamington lost two early wickets, but Williams and Ben Howard battled hard as K&D sought to drive home their advantage.

Opener Howard fell after drinks for a patient 48 and Williams departed for a gutsy 27 as Knowle moved towards victory.

They were thwarted by Gaz Strangwood whose unbeaten 23 saw Leamington to safety on 137 for seven.