Bridgnorth CC 1st XI v Studley (Home)
Bridgnorth 1st XI (75) lost to Studley (76-4) by 6 wickets
Batting: G. Mumford 12, A. Carson 10*.
Bowling: M. Martin 2-7, A. Leather 1-27, AJ. Smith 1-.
On the final day of the season, the already safe Bridgnorth 1st XI were given a rare opportunity to play cricket on a dry day. However, the amazement at this concept appeared to affect many of the players mentality.
Bridgnorth had to bat first in difficult conditions, as the track was still very wet from the recent monsoons, and were in trouble all the way through their short innings as wickets fell at regular intervals. Excellent bowling in the bowler-friendly conditions from the Studley attack restricted Bridgnorth to a very disappointing and below par total of 75 all out off just 25 overs. The only men to reach double figures were Gareth Mumford (12) and Andy Carson (10 not out).
The very small total never really proved a problem for the Studley batsmen, as they reached their target very comfortably for the loss of four wickets in only 19 overs. There were good spells from Matt Martin (2-7 off 6 overs) and Andy Leather (1-27), with the other wicket being taken by AJ Smith.
Bridgnorth accomplished what they set out to do at the start of the season, to avoid relegation. However, the side know that expectations will be higher next season, and must hope that this performance is not a sign of things to come next year.
Bridgnorth 1st XI finished in 7th place in Birmingham League Division Three, with a final record of 6 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses and 6 abandonments, avoiding relegation by 19 points.
Bridgnorth CC Sunday 2nd XI v Fordhouses (Home)
Bridgnorth 2nd XI (175-8) lost to Fordhouses (177-5) by 5 wickets
Batting: C. Goodwin-Tindall 54, G. Lewis 46, R. Hughes 42.
Bowling: B. Leather 2-10.
Bridgnorth 2nd XI completed their 2008 Sunday League campaign with a 5-wicket defeat at home to Fordhouses 2nd XI.
Batting first Bridgnorth posted a competitive total of 175-8 off their 40 overs, with Conor Goodwin-Tindall leading the way with 54. He was well supported by Rob Hughes (42) and Greg Lewis (46), but Bridgnorth would have felt their total could have been higher, as a flate flurry of wickets halted their charge.
In reply, the visitors batting line-up all showed positive intent, and their aggressive style led them to victory, ending on 177-5 with 7 overs remaining. Left-arm seamer Ben Leather was the pick of the Bridgnorth bowlers with 2-10 in 6 miserly overs, with Elliot Pottinger, Cameron Wallis and Rob Hughes also taking a wicket apiece.
