A perfectly executed chase and an enormous fourth-wicket stand from the classy Sam Hain and the red-hot Jacob Bethell secured the bragging rights for the Bears at rivals Worcester Rapids' New Road on Friday night. The pair put on 148 to help the Bears recover from 7/3, when chasing an obtainable 156, in what was a sterling showing that leaves htem top. The Bears, fresh from humiliating early pacesetters Northamptonshire at Edgbaston on Thursday night, arrived at New Road without the services of two winter recruits.
Hassan Ali, who had been out of the side at any rate, has picked up an elbow injury while Richard Gleeson couldn't complete his second over yesterday and was forced off. It meant that Michael Booth was handed a Blast debut. He delivered in his very first over, bravely recovering from being smoked for six by Kashif Ali to tempt the Pears opener into attempting the same shot but only succeeding in finding the hands of Craig Miles.
Despite the efforts of Ed Pollock, who always seeks to remind his former club of his abilities, the Bears enjoyed what you might say was a fruitful powerplay. Pollock launched George Garton for 14 runs from the first three balls of his second over, but recruit Josh Cobb couldn't hang around. Attempting an aerial cover drive, he was eye-catchingly plucked out of the air by Jake Lintott.
Pollock then surrendered to Dan Mousley, who is enjoying a fine Blast campaign, when he drove to Bethell at mid-on. Join our Bears Facebook group by clicking.
