Bridgnorth overcome Milford hoodoo to go two-in-two

James Ralph top-scored with 92 as Bridgnorth chased down 178 to win at Milford Hall, ending a run of three defeats in three at the ground.

The Cricket Meadow men worked hard in the field to restrict the hosts to 177-7 in 50 overs, as all the bowlers chipped in. The highlight of the effort saw Sam Whitney (2-16) clean bowl Matt Shawcross with a delivery reminiscent of Shane Warne's ball of the century!

Overseas star Jamie Brown took two wickets of his own, and would later hit the winning boundary as he continued to enjoy an excellent start to his season. Tom Weaver, Tom Weston and James Ralph were the other wicket-takers in an encouraging all-round performance.

Early wickets threatened to reawaken past demons of playing at the Staffordshire ground, but Ralph cashed in on an early dropped catch to open his run-scoring account for the first time in 2014.

Partnerships of 39 with Matt Martin and 66 with skipper Mark MacPherson-Lees (31*) steadied the ship for Bridgnorth, and despite a further slight wobble the winning boundary was hit off the first ball of the final over.

Delighted with their excellent start to the 2014 season, the Cricket Meadow men hope the winning ways will continue when they travel to Newport next week.