Bridgnorth (152-3) beat Newport (149) by 7 wickets

In very warm conditions, the visitors didn’t hesitate in deciding to bat first upon winning the toss. They started strongly with a 60-run opening partnership on a good batting wicket, as a fast, silky outfield gave good value for shots.

With little assistance available for the opening bowlers, in-form legspinner Sam Whitney was introduced early, and was able to give his side a timely boost by breaking the opening stand. In partnership with Dave Exall, the pair changed the momentum of the game, particularly when Whitney removed key player Amardeep Sonkar for just 24.

Exall showed the benefits of bowling a tight stump-to-stump line by taking 5-30 from 17 excellent overs, whilst Whitney continued his superb form his season to take 4-41 off 17. Jamie Brown (1-18) was also rewarded for a tight opening spell by returning to take the final wicket.

Bridgnorth got off to an excellent start in their run chase as openers James Ralph and Ryan Lockley raced their side to 40-0 off 7 overs. Lockley and Exall were then dismissed as they both looked to push on, but Ralph continued with his typical elegant strokeplay at the top of the order.

After Ralph was removed for 68, Tom Weston (35*) capitalised on some wayward bowling with a stylish finishing knock, supported by Matt Martin as the pair took their team past the victory post with more than 25 overs to spare.

Now sitting in fourth place in BDPCL Division Three, the Cricket Meadow men face a crucial game at league leaders Stratford-upon-Avon, where they will hope to maintain their push for promotion.