Colwall Cricket Club 2nd XI made an excellent start to their Worcestershire County League Division Five (South) campaign with a dominant 100-run victory over Harvington CC 1st XI on Saturday 18th April.

After losing the toss and being put into bat, Colwall adapted well to typical early-season conditions in Colwall, with cool temperatures, a light breeze and some cloud cover offering assistance to the bowlers early on.

Colwall’s innings was built on a solid platform, with Euan Buttle (40) and Sukhraj Gill (40) providing a composed start at the top of the order. Gill’s dismissal proved to be one of the moments of the match, as Harvington’s Mikey Sale produced a stunning full-length diving catch at square leg to remove him.

The innings was then expertly controlled by Mark Hardinges, who delivered a superb knock of 90 from 78 balls. Mixing patience with well-timed aggression, Hardinges anchored the innings and ensured Colwall maintained momentum through the middle overs.

Adam Heath added valuable late runs, finishing unbeaten on 40, as Colwall posted an imposing 257-5 from their allotted overs.

In reply, Harvington found it difficult to build partnerships against a disciplined and well-balanced Colwall bowling attack.

Harry Evans led the way with an excellent spell of 4-32, striking regularly to keep the pressure on the visitors. However, the standout performance came from 12-year-old Campbell Hall, who made a remarkable impact on his 2nd XI debut. Showing composure beyond his years, Hall claimed 4-34 in a superb spell that swung the game firmly in Colwall’s favour.

Mark Hardinges capped an outstanding all-round display by adding 2 wickets to his earlier batting contribution.

Despite a determined 50 from Steve Kerby and a resilient unbeaten 32 from Joe Vose, Harvington were bowled out for 157 in 38.4 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory for the home side.

This was an impressive all-round performance from Colwall, with contributions across the team and a particularly exciting debut from young Campbell Hall highlighting the strength of the club’s emerging talent.

With both bat and ball firing, Colwall 2nd XI will take plenty of confidence into the rest of the season as they look to build on a strong opening result.