Bridgnorth CC 1st XI v Dorridge (Home)
Bridgnorth 1st XI (66) lost to Dorridge (67-2) by 8 wickets.
Batting: J. Francis 18.
Bowling: M. Spence 2-31.
Following last week's excellent performance, Bridgnorth 1st XI fell to earth with a bump against visitors Dorridge at home on Saturday, losing by 8 wickets.
Following heavy overnight rain, and more showers on Saturday morning, Bridgnorth seemed convinced that no play would be possible. Given the excellence of the ground, this was an inaccurate belief! Dorridge were far better prepared, and having won the toss, inserted Bridgnorth. Many old failings resurfaced, as their innings folded quickly against a hostile attack for 66 all out. A distinct lack of application against a seaming and swinging ball was demonstrated, with only 2 players reaching double figures, and the highest partnership being the 10th wicket of 23, with Jason Francis scoring 18.
With rain threatening, Dorridge cantered to victory in 14 overs, despite a spirited spell of 2-31 from Murray Spence.
A return to the application demonstrated last week is a necessity, otherwise Bridgnorth will be struggling in the wrong half of the table in this very competitve Birmingham League.
Bridgnorth CC 2nd XI v Dorridge (Away)
Bridgnorth 2nd XI (165-6) beat Oswestry (164) by 4 wickets
Batting: M. Martin 69*, G. Edwards 22, Neil Johnson 19.
Bowling: T. Weaver 5-36, S. Caine 3-29.
Bridgnorth 2nd XI chalked up their first league win of the 2007 campaign with a spirited 4 wicket win away at Dorridge seconds on Saturday.
Bridgnorth skipper Steve Caine won the toss and inserted the hosts on a pitch that was offering some assistance to the seamers. Youngster Tom Weaver continued his excellent new ball form and with support from all the bowlers the home side could not find the necessary acceleration. At 130-3 with 12 overs to go, Weaver returned to produce a spell of 3 wickets in just 4 balls to rip the heart out of the deflated opposition as he finished with his first ever 5-wicket haul, and figures of 5-36. The wily Steve Caine bowled with control to claim 3-29 as the hosts could only manage 164 all out. In a mixed day in the field for Bridgnorth, the highlight was an outstanding one-handed diving catch by veteran all-rounder Ian Roe.
In reply Bridgnorth got off to a decent start, with the opening pair adding 34 for the first wicket. But three quick wickets, including Glenn Edwards (22) put the visitors on the back foot. One quality of this team is the ability of the youngsters to showcase their talents when it really matters and this was highlighted none more so than when Matt Martin showed his senior colleagues the way. Together with Neil Johnson (19) they both fought hard as Bridgnorth got their way back into the game, but a second flurry of wickets with less than 30 runs required saw the game's balance tip once again. However, the unflappable Martin (69*) stood strong as he guided the team home on 165-6 to win by 4 wickets with more than 7 overs remaining.
Bridgnorth CC 3rd XI v Cound (Away)
Bridgnorth 3rd XI (178-5), Cound (17-2) - Match Abandoned
Batting: C. Goodwin-Tindall 49, D. James 42, H. Davies 37*.
Bowling: E. Lewis 1-, I. Lock 1-.
In a rain affected game Bridgnorth 3rd XI made the journey to Cound. After winning the toss Bridgnorth captain Mark Weston elected to bat first, and they made a steady start adding 27 for the first wicket. Opener Devon James (42) batted with discipline, and No. 3 batsman Conor Goodwin-Tindall showed great patience in his 49 before being caught on the boundary. From a solid base the play became more attacking, with Josh Jones and Pete Evans upping the rate, before Henry Davies (37*) and debutante Conor Glendinning took Bridgnorth to 178-5 off 35 overs.
Cound started their reply and as rain beckoned Ed Lewis and the fit-again Ian Lock reduced the home side to 17-2 in the eighth over before the match was washed out.
