Bridgnorth (235-6) beat Newport (63) by 172 runs

James Ralph top-scored with 77, and Dave Exall weighed in with 55, as the Cricket Meadow men posted 235-6 off 48 overs in a rain-affected game at Audley Avenue. After a couple of early wickets, the middle order worked hard to put the visitors in a strong position in the game, coping well with a number of rain breaks as the recent poor weather threatened to affect both sides’ chances.

Joe Chadwick (30) made a welcome return to form with the bat against his former club, and helped to press home the advantage alongside Gareth Mumford, as the visitors posted a highly competitive total.

With Newport set an adjusted target of 175 to win off 27 overs, Bridgnorth got off to the perfect start as Jamie Brown (3-14) continued his excellent early season form to knock over the top order. The bowlers were cock-a-hoop as the hosts were reduced to 21-5, and an excellent start was followed by a clinical finish as the Cricket Meadow men hunted as a pack.

Exall (2-13), Ralph (2-6), Sam Whitney and Tom Weaver all chipped in as an excellent all-round team performance was completed in the 22nd over with Newport dismissed for 63.

The 1st XI return to Cricket Meadow this weekend when they host Stratford-upon-Avon.