Lee Bates and Del Maitland led the team to a fine win - Lichfield League Division 3 - Essington & Great Wyrley 1sts (168-0) beat Rushall (167-7) by 10 wickets. A memorable opening partnership between centurion Lee Bates (107) and Del Maitland (50) led Essington to victory over Rushall. Their successful pursuit of the visitors target of 168 took 30.5 overs and capped an impressive team performance, given that Wyrley had been asked to field first on a scorching day. The victory also returned Essington to winning ways after two weeks away from league duties. Wyrley started brightly with the ball as Bates (1-23) and Copeland (2-20) had early successes, aided by some excellent catching, with the ageless Smith taking a stunning reflex chance at slip. Rushall began to rebuild around Hudston (33) and Plant (26), with Smith (2-46) and Gibson bowling economical spells. Gibson bowled a metronomic spell of eight overs for just 14 runs. | 
