Final day victory not enough for Wargrave

WARGRAVE’S 45-run Home Counties Premier League Division 1 victory against visitors STOKE GREEN was not enough to save them from relegation to Division 2 last Saturday.

Asked to bat first, Wargrave produced a commanding display with the bat on a true home wicket. Openers Rob Farina (75) and Rhys Lewis gave the innings a solid platform with a stand of 126, Farina’s brisk stroke play complemented by Lewis’s calm authority.

Lewis went on to anchor the innings, compiling 130 from 136 balls, in his first league century of the season. He was well supported by Andrew MacEwen (56), the pair adding 116 for the third wicket. Their efforts carried Wargrave to an imposing total of 317-6 from 50 overs, the highest of their campaign.

In reply, Stoke Green made steady progress, with Chetan Sharma’s fluent 95 keeping the visitors in the contest. He received useful support from Farhaan Habib Khan (43) but Wargrave’s bowlers struck regularly to stem momentum.

Jack Clark (3-41) and Neal Robinson (2-42) led the way, backed by Mark Firth and Nilesh Bhandari with two wickets apiece. Stoke Green were eventually dismissed for 272 in the 49th over, giving Wargrave victory.

The result meant Wargrave finished in ninth spot, six points from safety, with Stoke Green bottom of the table, 19 points behind the hosts.