ASTWOOD Bank captain Steve Adshead praised the mature approach of teenage batsman Ryan Blakemore after Saturday’s 47 run win over Milford Hall.

The 15-year-old top scored with a patient 33 for Bank on a wicket dry wicket that favoured the bowlers.

His innings allowed the Sambourne Lane outfit to post a competitive score of 124-9.

Despite a stirring 40 runs from Hall opener Daniel Betty (40), Astwood’s bowlers dismissed the home side for 77 in 23 overs.

“Ryan did extremely well, he batted with a lot of maturity,” said Adshead.

“The wicket was very dry and had broken up, so it was not the easiest batting conditions but took his time and played his shots.

“He’s very young and still needs to mature physically but his technique is very good which makes a big difference.

“We thought a score of around 150 would win the game so reaching 124 put it in the balance a bit but our bowlers did a great job and there was also some very fight fielding as well.

“What was pleasing was that we won the toss and made the right decision and that is a big plus.”

Importantly, victory saw Astwood move out of the bottom four and above Millford.

They now entertain out of form Fordhouses on Saturday (noon start).

Adshead added: “Winning was a lift, it didn’t make or break our season but at this stage it is important to be beating the sides around you.

“We’ve got Fordhouses next and they are struggling at the moment, their best bowler Chris Guest picked up an injury on Saturday.

“It’s a chance to pull in a side above into the mix at the bottom.”

Sam Thomas is still a doubt for Saturday’s clash.

Meanwhile in Warwickshire League Division One, Studley went down by 43 runs to Standard.

Their opponents made 216-8 in 50 overs, despite Steve Rose (3-28), Glen Lacey (2-41) and Barrie Forrester-Smith (2-51) taking wickets.

But they were bowled out for 173 in the 50 over in reply.

Simon Stamenkovic top scored 32 runs, while Chris Moss (24), Dale Edwards(28) and Forrester-Smith (21) all contributed.

Studley go to Coleshill Town on Saturday (1pm start).

l Alcester and Ragley went down by two wickets to Ashton under Hill in the Cotswold Hills League Division One. In a rain affected game, Alcester had made 224-7 but Ashton were handed a reduced score and made 153-8 in reply.