Consistency key as Quatt march on

Craig Jones’s side have forced themselves into the Premier Division title reckoning with a stunning run of form that has left them sitting third.

St Georges were the latest side to be swept aside as they went down to a five-wicket defeat at the Quatt Oval.

After being asked to bat first, St Georges failed to build on a solid start that saw them reach 77-2 as they were bowled out for 161.

Gareth Jones led the way for Quatt with figures of 4-29 from his 10 overs while Johnathan Edwards and skipper Craig Jones both picked up two wickets.

Quatt were reduced to 67-4 in reply but Alex Biddle then guided them to victory with an unbeaten 45.

Skipper Jones believes consistency on and off the field has been the key to his side’s surge but he still believes a title success is a long shot.

“We have had some consistency in selection and that has helped us play some consistent cricket,” said Jones.

“We had bowled well and batted well at times early in the season but never put the two together. We have been doing that recently but I still think winning the title might be beyond us.

“We haven’t got the biggest squad and we have a number of young lads who have come into the side this year. Don’t get me wrong, we will be giving it our best shot but I would be happy with a top three finish.”

The win left Quatt, who face Broseley on Saturday, sitting third in the table, 32 points behind table-topping Whitchurch.

Ludlow are second in the standings, three points ahead of Quatt, following a comfortable 62-run success against Frankton.

Captain Will Sparrow led by example for Ludlow as he shone with bat and ball.

Sparrow provided the main support to opening batsman Sam Roberts (87) with a half-century as Ludlow made 272-9.

The skipper then teamed up with Bryan Leighton to cut through the Frankton line up. The duo bagged four wickets each as the hosts fell for 210 in reply. Scott Hall top-scored with 65 while Jordan Parry made 48.