RUGBY produced another impressive performance on Saturday away at Kenilworth to record their fifth consecutive victory and maintain their hunt for the Warwickshire League Premier Division title.
The hosts elected to bat first after winning the toss and openers Chris Prophet (43) and Dave Edmunds (22) added 56 for the first wicket, but both fell to Matt Ewer in quick succession as Rugby fought their way into the game.
Left-arm spinner Tom Wilkins (37 for two) reduced Kenilworth to 71 for four but a couple of dropped chances meant Rugby didn’t force home their advantage.
Neil Goodman (52) and Jorget Singh (51) rebuilt the innings with an intelligent partnership as Kenilworth closed on 212 for eight, with Ewer being the pick of the attack after taking three wickets and conceding 52 runs from 12 overs.
Henry Wilkins made a positive start by hitting three early boundaries in Rugby’s reply, but Wilkins (15), Charlie Robards (4) and Powell (12) all fell in quick succession to leave Rugby at 43 for three.
Lee James (27) was in fluent touch as he and Ewer progressed to 94 but two more quick wickets put the game back in the balance at 104 for five after 24 overs.
This brought Edwards to join Ewer at the crease and Rugby’s in-form captain was soon into his stride and attacking Kenilworth’s spinners.
Both Edwards (75 not out) and Ewer (72) passed half centuries and Kenilworth had no response, as the pair added an unbroken stand of 111 in 15 overs and Rugby romped home.
Rugby reached the winning line with five wickets and 11.2 overs to spare, securing another 24 points and continuing their fine run of form.
The points haul consolidated Rugby’s position in fourth place on 228 points but, after their poor form earlier in the summer, they still have a lot of work to do to catch Marston Green, Olton and leaders Handsworth.
