Bridgnorth (143-9) had a losing draw against Sutton Coldfield (220-8)

After two excellent run-chases at home in the last two weeks, a target of 220 proved too much for the Cricket Meadow men as the hosts impressive seam attack removed heroes Simon Gregory and Ryan Lockley early on.

Skipper James Ralph chose to ask the hosts the bat first upon winning the toss, and a steady start saw the scoreboard read 80-1 at the drinks break, with the solitary wicket falling to Dave Exall (1-39). A couple of wickets following the resumption appeared to put Bridgnorth in control at 108-3, but some sloppy fielding and wayward bowling allowed Sutton to recover and accelerate.

Ralph took the top bowling honours on the day with 4-36, with Dale Quiney, Sam Whitney and Ian Gregory taking a wicket apiece, as a late fightback meant the hosts were restricted to 220-8 off their 55 overs.

This was however a fairly daunting target, considering the slow wicket and outfield, and Sutton’s bowlers took control early on to reduce the visitors to 19-3. Exall (31) joined Quiney to start a rescue attempt to the innings, but the 72-run partnership was ended in the 30th over.

Exall’s dismissal sparked a further collapse to 115-8, before Whitney joined the solid Quiney in the middle. The pair battled on for 16 overs, before Whitney was dismissed for an obdurate 14, but Dale Quiney joined brother Karl at the crease to see out the final three overs.

The losing draw means Bridgnorth are now joint-top of BDPCL Division Two, with just one point separating themselves, Penkridge, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield in the top four, and a trip to Penkridge on Saturday will provide the Cricket Meadow men with another stern test.