MARK Evenson felt the dismissal of top scorer Jayden Levitt, just one run short of his century, proved pivotal in Bromsgrove’s defeat at fellow strugglers Leamington last weekend.
Levitt was run out for 99 and though the Boars still registered their highest run total in the Birmingham League Division One this season, Leamington managed to chase down their target of 252 with nine balls and two wickets to spare.
“To score 250 was pleasing but probably 260-270 was a par score on that wicket and with such a quick outfield,” said Evenson.
“Jayden batted superbly well and deserved his century. I would have backed him to get another 20-30 which would taken us to 280, rather than having a new batsman come in and start from scratch. In the end that proved the difference.
“Having said, it was great to see Jayden back in form, getting time in the middle and scoring runs.
“We were still confident we could get the win, and we chipped away but ultimately we couldn’t get the final few wickets.”
Batting first, Levitt and Lewis Cordes (32) provided a good platform with an 87-run opening stand and then Ryan Pedley (57) kept up the good work to take them to 229-3. However, three wickets fell for six runs and Bromsgrove finished on 251-6 off their 55 overs.
Leamington’s reply was based around an unbeaten 89 from 104 balls from No 6 batsman Matthew Payne, with Waqar Ahmed contributing a vital 61, as they got home after 53.3 overs.
Evenson was the pick of the bowlers with 4-51 off 16 overs.
