Bridgnorth (137) lost to Stratford-upon-Avon (139-4) by 6 wickets

Asked to bat first, Bridgnorth's top order failed to make the most of good batting conditions on a warm, sunny day, where poor early shot selection cost them dear.

The hosts were always fighting to stay in the contest after being reduced to 5-3 in the opening few overs. Ryan Lockley battled hard to top-score with 53, but otherwise only the lower order batsmen were able to offer any meaningful resistance. Ben Barclay (14) and Sam Whitney (21) dug in to spare a few blushes for their side, but a final total of 137 all out in the 45th over would ultimately prove way below par.

The Cricket Meadow men fought hard in the field as they attempted to stage an unlikely comeback, but it was only a matter of time before Stratford inevitably cantered home with 6 wickets and 14 overs to spare. Dave Exall (3-33) and James Ralph (1-16) were the successful bowlers for the home side.

Captain Mark MacPherson-Lees was quick to accept that his side's batting efforts were not good enough in helpful conditions. "We've had a great start this season, but we definitely didn't play to our potential today. Poor shot selection and execution cost us dearly, and 137 was obviously way below par. We worked hard in the field, but we just didn't have the runs on the board to defend. We now need to learn from this result, and focus on the next game."

Now sitting in joint-third place in Birmingham & District Premier Cricket League Division Three, Bridgnorth will be hoping to return to winning ways when they travel to Streetly on Saturday.