Bridgnorth CC 1st XI v Olton & West Warwick (Away)
Bridgnorth 1st XI (129-3) beat Olton (128) by 7 wickets
Batting: M. Martin 73*, A. Carson 22.
Bowling: T. Weaver 4-32, S. Whitney 3-16, M. MacPherson-Lees 2-19, E. Lewis 1-38.
Bridgnorth celebrated winning the Birmingham Cricket League Third Division title for the first time in their history on Saturday, after cruising to a seven-wicket home victory.
One-time title challengers Olton & West Warwick batted first at Cricket Meadow and had little answer to the home attack of Tom Weaver, Sam Whitney, Mark MacPherson-Lees and Ed Lewis as they were skittled out for 128.
In reply, Bridgnorth openers Andy Carson and Matt Martin put on 78 for the first wicket before a clutch of three wickets raised the spectre of last week's batting collapse. But Man-of-the-Match Martin dispelled any fear of another defeat as he led the side home to clinch the title.
Skipper MacPherson-Lees, who at 33 is the oldest player in the team, praised his side, explaining that it was a success story for the club's coaching system over the years. "The key to success has been the great team spirit with a very young side," he said. "We are not a one-man side and every individual has won a game, whether it be for batting or bowling. They have all played for each other with Gareth Mumford outstanding behind the stumps.
"We are positive about next year in the second division and quietly confident we can win that league again," added MacPherson-Lees, who is expected to be captain again.
Bridgnorth CC 2nd XI v Tamworth (Away)
Bridgnorth 2nd XI (79) lost to Tamworth (80-1) by 9 wickets
Batting: C. Goodwin-Tindall 23.
Bowling: A. Leather 1-.
Things are not so rosy for the 2nd XI who are condemned to second division cricket next season after a woeful batting display at Tamworth.
Only Conor Goodwin-Tindall produced an innings of substance as the Cricket Meadow men were rolled over for a paltry 79. Tamworth made light work of the target, easing past the Bridgnorth total for the loss of just one wicket inside 20 overs.
Bridgnorth CC 3rd XI v Overton-on-Dee (Home)
Bridgnorth 3rd XI (148) lost to Overton (149-5) by 5 wickets
Batting: E. Mullard 60*.
Bowling: F. Broad 3-20, E. Mullard 2-15.
The 3rd XI reached the unchallenging total of 148 all out on Saturday with Ed Mullard carrying his bat and being given good support by Freddie Broad.
Broad and Mullard were the wicket-takers as Overton-on-Dee won by five wickets.
Bridgnorth CC 2nd XI v Walsall (Home)
Bridgnorth 2nd XI (155) beat Walsall (142-7) by 13 runs
Batting: D. Taylor 50, R. Hughes 22, T. Weston 21.
Bowling: C. Thornton 3-5, E. Pottinger 2-14.
A young 2nd XI did well to win a restricted overs match against Walsall II on Sunday.
Dan Taylor, Rob Hughes and Tom Weston were all among the runs as Bridgnorth totalled 155 all out. Walsall reached 142-7 in reply with Charles Thornton and El Pottinger among the wickets.
