Kulkarni's super ton keeps promotion bid alive

Swapnil Kulkarni in front of the scoreboard after his century

SWAPNIL Kulkarni hit his second century in three weeks as Horspath 3rd kept their promotion hopes alive in Cherwell League Division 5 with a five-wicket win at Kingston Bagpuize.

Chasing Kingston's 223-9 after they had elected to bat, Kulkarni made a sparkling 104 not out to steer Horspath home at 225-5 with 4.5 overs to spare. He hit four sixes and 11 fours in his 89-ball innings to continue his rich vein of form after making 100 not out against Dinton 2nd and 71 against Cropredy in the last two weeks.

Kulkarni came to the crease with Horspath on 49-1 after openers Craig Wharton (23) and Alex Thomas (21) had provided a solid base. He then proceeded to dominate the Kingston attack, sharing stands of 55 with Chris Jones (21) and 81 with Joey Todd (24), on a flying visit back to this country from New Zealand.

The Indian all-rounder had starred earlier with the ball, taking late wickets to finish with 4-40 as Horspath pegged Kingston back. The hosts had been 112-1 with opener Jordan Smith (63) and Alex Bowles (52) shining for Kingston, but Horspath skipper Robin Pykett (3-38) made inroads into the home side's batting as Dan Todd also picked up a wicket and Adrian Manger's ten overs went for just 31 runs.

Horspath remain in third place, ten points behind Kimble in second and 14 adrift of leaders Aston Rowant 3rd, who they entertain in the final game next Saturday.

A depleted Horspath 2nd slid to a nine-wicket defeat at promotion-chasing Didcot in Division 2.

Horspath were bowled out for 107 after choosing to bat with only Jehan Mohammed (41) providing any resistance as Richard Cook took 4-14. Didcot then coasted to victory at 108-1 with Hayden Moon taking the only wicket to fall as Adam Webb (50no) and Elliot Matthews (31no) steered the hosts home.

Horspath 4th's youngsters shone in an eight-wicket win at home to bottom club Great & Little Tew 4th in Division 7.

Josh Cummings took 4-6 and Christopher Hoffen 2-29 as Tew were bowled out for 105 after being put in to bat. Veteran Clive Ricks had led the way with 2-29 from 15 overs, while David Wells took 1-23.

Following the loss of two early wickets, teenagers Tarvik Khan (46no) and Harvey Shorter (38no) steered Horspath to 106-2 off just 13.4 overs. The victory sees Horspath remain in fourth place.

Posted by: Russ