Bridgnorth CC 1st XI v Smethwick (Away)
Bridgnorth 1st XI (120) lost to Smethwick (200-9) by 80 runs.
Batting: P. Thompson 41.
Bowling: T. Weaver 4-38.
Bridgnorth 1st XI's disappointing 2007 season continued at Smethwick on Saturday, as they lost by 80 runs. The improvement shown at Penn, two weeks ago, was again in evidence, however, seven dropped catches was a major backward step.
On a sodden track Bridgnorth inserted Smethwick who reached 98-2 at halfway. This could so easily have been much worse, had catches been held and the many chip shots played, gone to hand. Smethwick finished at 200-9 after their 55 overs. Tom Weaver continued his smooth transition to 1st team cricket with 4-38, aided by an excellent wicket keeping display from Gareth Mumford including two sharp stumpings.
In reply, Bridgnorth had a dreadful start as two wickets fell in the second over with Tom Whitney again receiving a very poor decision. This quickly became 20-4, with Murray Spence receiving a dubious LBW. Spirited resistance followed, Pete Thompson showing better form with 41, and with Gareth Mumford sharing a stand of 54. After their dismissal, the innings gradually subsided, but a last wicket stand of 21 between Jason Francis & Andy Leather salvaged a batting point, as Bridgnorth were all out for 120.
This weekend sees Bridgnorth travel to fellow strugglers Tamworth in what could prove to be a very important fixture.
Bridgnorth CC 2nd XI v Sutton Coldfield (Home)
Bridgnorth 2nd XI (70) lost to Sutton Coldfield (179) by 109 runs.
Batting: S. Caine 17*.
Bowling: S. Caine 5-, N. Johnson 2-, I. Lock 2-.
Bridgnorth 2nd XI's season suffered a third consecutive set back on Saturday as they were soundly beaten at home by Sutton Coldfield 2nds by 109 runs.
Batting first the visitors posted a challenging 179 all out on a track that had been affected by the volume of the rain over the past week. Bridgnorth skipper Steve Caine again led the way picking up another 5 wicket haul and he was ably assisted by promising all-rounder Neil Johnson and Ian Lock who continued his comeback from a shoulder injury with both bagging a brace.
A hostile opening burst from the Sutton attack left Bridgnorth reeling with an inexperienced top order being blown away. As the wickets continued to fall regularly it was left to the old heads of Steve Caine, who completed a fine all round performance top scoring with 17 not out, and Ian Lock to add 27 for the final wicket leaving the hosts on a paltry 70 all out.
