Worcestershire player, Jacques Banton, produced a fine all-round performance for Barnt Green in their eight-wicket win over Shifnal in a Birmingham and District Premier League Premier Division One fixture.
Banton had been forced to miss Worcestershire Seconds’ four-day game with Glamorgan at Newport through illness but bounced back in style after making a full recovery.
He returned 3-25, as Shifnal were dismissed for 175 in exactly 50 overs, and then struck an unbeaten 66 from 71 balls with ten fours, enabling Barnt Green to reach their target in 42.3 overs.
Two other Academy players in, keeper Henry Cullen, and all-rounder Reeve Evitts helped Kenilworth Wardens to an 81 run win over Shrewsbury.
Cullen, with 34 off 44 balls, and Evitts, who hit 48 off 46 deliveries, shared in stands of 83 and 131 respectively with century-maker Harry Johnson.
It enabled Kenilworth to total 284-6, and then Evitts picked up one wicket as Shrewsbury were dismissed for 203 in 46.1 overs.
Two members of the Worcestershire coaching staff in Kadeer Ali and Andy Sutton have made impressive starts to the season.
Seconds coach Kadeer is the leading run scorer in the competition, with 406 runs in nine innings for Smethwick at an average of 50.75.
He has struck four half-centuries, including 99 not out versus Barnt Green.
Worcestershire Academy-Pathway Coach Sutton is the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 18 for Barnt Green at an average of 10.61.
His best return to date is 5-20 against Kenilworth Wardens.
