Bridgnorth clinch confidence-boosting friendly win

Saturday presented Bridgnorth with a much needed opportunity to get out in the middle before the league season starts proper next weekend, and a new-look side inched over the line against an experienced opposition.

New first team skipper Matt Martin invited the visitors to bat first, and the top order made a steady start before Will Sparrow and Deon Patel both played with freedom to race to half centuries as the runs flowed. A dominant total looked possible, but some good death bowling led to a slow-down in the run-rate in the second half of the innings, as Ludlow finished their 40 overs on a highly competitive 229-5.

Jaspreet Singh led the way with the ball to finish with 2-42, and new signing Faz Rahman (1-21) bowled a very tidy spell in the middle overs. Jenson Caine and Zak Shah, another winter transfer, were the other successful wicket-takers.

In reply, Bridgnorth got off to a sticky start as they lost opener Rahul Kaushal to the second ball of the innings, but a partnership of 80 between Martin (59) and third debutant Harj Dhinsay (36) steadied the ship and set a platform for the run chase. A couple of quick wickets was followed by a typically quickfire 24 from Singh, but another double breakthrough for the visitors saw the Cricket Meadow men slip to 139-5.

However, a 30-ball 44 from Tom Leslie allowed the home side to counter-attack, well supported by Shah (24) as a much-needed 64-run stand put the hosts back in control, but the game still wasn't over. Ludlow fought back once again as Bridgnorth slipped to 224-9, but the Cricket Meadow finally inched over the line with seven balls to spare.

After a busy off-season which has seen a number of changes in the Bridgnorth playing squad, this was a big opportunity for first team squad to play together and gel as a group. Captain Martin was happy with his team's efforts, and keen to look towards the league season starting next Saturday.

"Ludlow batted well, they chanced their arm in the middle overs and it came off for them, but I'm really happy with how the lads bowled at the end. There were some good contributions with the bat, and even though we made it a bit harder than we should have, it was important to get over the line.

"It's going to be a challenge this year, but everyone is really up for it and keen to get stuck in. We've managed to get some much-needed extra depth to the squad in recent weeks, but opportunities will be there for those that put their hands up and put the performances in."

The 1st XI host Harborne in the Birmingham League opener next Saturday, whilst the second team start their season in Shropshire League Division Two with a trip to Shelton. The 3rd XI are due to host Wroxeter at Quatt in Division Five, before the 4th XI begin their Sunday Division Three campaign by hosting Knockin & Kinnerley at Cricket Meadow.