1st XI v Tamworth (Home) - Won by 5 wickets

At Cricket Meadow an excellent unbeaten partnership of 123 between Nick Gray and captain Mark MacPherson-Lees guided their team to a hard-fought win, after the game had been set up by spin twins Sam Whitney and James Ralph.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, Jono Whitney (1-30) struck in his first over but Tamworth’s top-order pushed on to reach 99-1. The introduction of spin proved crucial in slowing the run-rate, but a vital blow was made when visiting captain Mike Talbot was run out at the non-striker’s end when well set on 83.

Sam Whitney (3-38) and Ralph (4-34) bowled well in tandem, and were aided by an effective fielding unit. A brief recovery by Tamworth’s middle order placed them at 172-6 as they prepared to hit out in the final overs, but Ralph ran through the tail as they collapsed to 184 all out off the final ball of the 53rd over.

Despite the early loss of opener Tom Weston in the first over, Harry Martin (12) and Ralph (39) began the chase in earnest with Ralph showing particular fluency. However, both men were dismissed in quick succession, and with Jono Whitney adjudicated out leg-before first ball, the Cricket Meadow men found themselves in a spot of bother at 65-5.

This brought Gray (74*) and MacPherson-Lees (53*) together as they worked hard to consolidate the innings, steadily keeping the scoreboard ticking over, before accelerating as the victory target got closer. Man of the match Gray hit the winning boundary to jubilant celebrations from Bridgnorth’s onlooking players and spectators with 15 deliveries remaining, capping off a great team performance and a superb fightback after the opposition had been on top.

Bridgnorth will hope to continue their winning form with a trip to Cannock next week.