Bridgnorth (263-7) beat Stourbridge (139) by 124 runs

Asked to bat first, Bridgnorth lost in-form opener Karl Quiney to a good ball early on, but Shropshire pair James Ralph and Ryan Lockley steadied the innings. Lockley (16) was then dismissed by Stourbridge’s impressive 14-year-old seamer Zain Ul Hassen, before fellow county batsman Simon Gregory joined his skipper at the crease.

Ralph and Gregory’s partnership of 97 for the third wicket was initially dominated by the club and county captain who was at his destructive best, with Gregory playing the more than adequate supporting role.

With a tenth club century looking a certainty, Ralph was caught just seven runs short whilst looking for quick runs in the power-play. This, however, brought Herefordshire’s Dave Exall to the crease, who continued with similar attacking intent. His 40 runs included three sixes, as Bridgnorth looked to put the game beyond the visitors.

Simon Gregory (73) went on to post his first half century of the season, before a few quick wickets fell towards the end of the innings, but Ian Gregory added a quick-fire 19 as the hosts finished strongly on 263-7 off 50 overs.

In reply, Stoubridge lost both openers early on to Dale Quiney and Exall, but the visitors then took advantage of some wayward bowling to increase the scoring rate.

Exall (3-43) again demonstrated his all-round credentials, taking the key wicket of West Indian Audy Alexander for 43, whilst Quiney continued his excellent early-season form with the ball, taking 3-32.

By now the result was not really in doubt, and despite Bridgnorth shelling a few chances in the field, New Inn Man of the Match Ralph completed a fine all-round performance to pick up two cheap scalps, before Ian Gregory and Sam Whitney finished the job with a wicket apiece.

Captain Ralph was happy with his side’s performance, but pointed to areas of improvement. “I was very pleased with how we built the innings, and particularly happy that Simon batted so well on his first time back at Cricket Meadow.”

“Dale’s bowling has been superb this season, and I hope he continues, but we need to tighten up as a unit with the ball as we gave a few loose ones away today. The dropped catches didn’t cost us this time, but may well do another day, so there are still areas we can improve on. The lads know this, and we’re keen to keep getting better and maintain the winning habit.”