Ed Pollock’s blistering 69 off 28 balls saw Worcestershire 2nd XI race to a nine-wicket win over Somerset 2nd XI at Visit Worcestershire New Road.
After last week’s fixture at Edgbaston fell foul of rain, the 2nd XI returned to T20 Central Group action on Tuesday, with a delayed start enforced due to heavy downpours before play.
With sun prevailing shortly after, Worcestershire were asked to field first after losing the toss, with Skipper, Ed Pollock, throwing the new ball to Tom Taylor and Ben Allison.
Allison (4-0-28-2) impressed from the outset, as did the returning Matthew Waite, who took 4-18 in an excellent spell of bowling.
Regular wickets were the key for the hosts, as they restricted Somerset to just 122-8 in their 20 overs.
Fin Hill (27) top-scored for the away side, but when he was bowled by Ben Gibbon (1-15), Worcestershire tightened their grip on the match taking three wickets for just 15 runs.
Chasing 123 to win, Pollock opened the batting partnered by the much talked about, Isaac Mohammed.
The 17-year-old, who joined on Sunday, gave a very brief glimpse of his capabilities, hitting two boundaries at the start of the innings before he was caught out for 11.
That was to be the only blemish on an otherwise imperious batting card for the Rapids – as Jake Libby came to the middle to accompany Pollock, who went about the run-chase in brutal style.
The skipper plundered six sixes and five fours during his 28-ball stay at the crease, sending the ball to all parts of the ground on his way to 69 not-out.
Libby, played a fine supporting act, compiling 40 not out off just 24 balls, in an innings that saw the home side wrap up victory inside ten overs.
After the game, Coach Kadeer Ali, was full of praise for Pollock, who showed his class with his match-winning innings.
“Ed, played a superb hand today. His ball-striking was outstanding and he showed what a dangerous player he can be, especially when he plays those shots 360 degrees.
“He is one of the best ball-strikers in our squad on his day and someone who has the ability to take the game away from the opposition when he is on top form. It will do him the world of good to get a knock like that in before the Blast resumes on Friday evening.
“These T20 fixtures give our guys a great chance to get the ball in their hand, and spend time in the middle with the bat, that they otherwise might not get or perhaps need after a tough run. I thought everyone took their chance very well today.”
