Bridgnorth (226-5) beat Quatt (223-9) by 5 wickets
Bridgnorth made a welcome return to winning ways courtesy of an excellent run chase, anchored by a record opening partnership.
Quatt skipper Alex Biddle won the toss and chose to make first use of a good batting wicket under sunny skies, in the highly anticipated third edition of the local derby. Openers Ian Gregory and Tom Whitney made a positive start against some wayward early bowling, before Gregory was caught off the bowling of Tom Weaver (1-44) just three runs short of his fifty.
After Sam Whitney (1-46) accounted for Biddle, Tom Whitney and Adrian Evans continued to take their side towards a strong first innings total, with Whitney (102) leading the way to score his first century for Quatt.
However, the introduction of Dave Exall (3-49) and James Ralph (4-43) proved crucial for the hosts. The minor counties duo used their experience to peg back the lower order, resulting in a final total of 223-9 off 55 overs.
In reply, the in-form duo of Ryan Lockley and Tom Weston then played superbly to compile a club record opening stand of 173 put their side firmly in the driving seat of the contest.
A rain delay then led to Bridgnorth having just 40 overs to chase the full total for the win, forcing the home batsmen to play their shots. Lockley reached an excellent maiden century for Bridgnorth, before being dismissed by Jonathan Edwards for 113, and opening partner Weston (54) was run out by Gregory shortly after.
Ralph and Exall added a couple of aggressive cameos to maintain their side’s momentum, before both men were dismissed just 13 runs short of the victory post, with Biddle (2-46) taking two late scalps and effecting a further run-out.
As the tension built, Bridgnorth held their nerve as the winning runs were hit with just 2 balls remaining. The Cricket Meadow men now sit in fifth place in BDPCL Division Three, and travel to second-placed Sutton Coldfield next week.
The contests between the local neighbours, separated by little more than the River Severn, have so far proved highly engaging and played in excellent, competitive spirit. The next meeting on August Bank Holiday Monday will undoubtedly continue in the same vein.