The mini-tour started with an early 8.30am start from Exeter and after an uneventful journey apart from Whittler’s problems Bromsgrove was reached at 11.15am. Jack Porter led an invigorating warm up and Acton lost the toss and we were inserted. Eighth ball Bradley made one rear up off a length and Fletcher did well to glove it – 1-1, it was one for two as next ball James Parkin played on – was this a good toss to win. Gareth Tidball and Robbie Debenham steadied the ship taking the total up to 38 when Tidball gave a catch. The fourth wicket pairing of Debenham and Tom Whittle took the score up to 114 after 27 overs when Whittle was caught by Gwynne off Holloway for a 55 ball 28. Keeper Sam Smith and Debenham then put on 57 when Debenham was bowled for an excellent 80. He had taken his side out of difficulty into a position where they could accelerate. He had faced 115 balls hitting 10 fours and a six. Smith fell next for an enterprising 63 ball 38 bowled. Ollie Pyne and Eliot Acton took the score past 200 in a stand of 37. Acton scored 21 off 20 hitting a six and a four. Pyne now finished the innings off scoring an undefeated 24 ball 35. The final total of 247 had appeared impossible after ball nine and was a credit to the batters.

Worcestershire put on 47 for the first wicket interrupted when Fletcher held Yelland off Debenham, Brookes was caught behind off Harris nine runs later and then the home side were 67-3 when opener Sproul was Dabenham’s second victim brilliantly caught by Buzza in the catch of the season to date. The biggest stand of the innings - 63 – took the home side up to 130 when the home side’s captain was bowled by Buzza. Pyne caught Gwynne off the captain at 153 and Bradley was run out at 184. Three wickets fell at 193 as Harries was well held at fine leg by Parkin to give Orchard a wicket and Musk was caught by Tidball to give Harris a second wicket. Brain was trapped by Buzza first ball game nearly over. The final wicket was a fine catch by Harris off Orchard as Worcestershire was all out 47 runs short. A great performance. The Bromsgrove Pizza Hut provided the nutrition as the sling shot made its debut. No interruptions on the journey to the Blorenge House at Taunton and time for sleep and toothpaste in a shoe.

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