Bridgnorth (261-8) beat Brewood (50) by 211 runs

After an uncharacteristically quiet start to the season, skipper James Ralph’s dominant century was his tenth for the Cricket Meadow men and came at a crucial time.

Asked to bat first, Bridgnorth had stuttered to 57-4 after 22 overs, but the strength of their batting line-up came to the fore as Minor Counties captains Dave Exall (61) and Ralph (113) combined for a pivotal, record partnership of 152 for the fifth wicket. Their experience showed as they cashed in on some mediocre bowling and capitalised on the hosts’ lack of a spin bowler.

The pair enabled Bridgnorth to finish on an excellent 261-8 off 55 overs, which would always prove to be a difficult chase on a helpful pitch for the bowlers. However, with Brewood boasting some experienced players in their top order, it was important to take early wickets.

Experienced swing bowler Tom Weaver took the new ball for the first time this season, and the move paid off in emphatic fashion as he claimed two wickets in his first over. With Dale Quiney (1-23) then accounting for the key wicket of Bruce Thomason for 20, Weaver continued with a superb spell, including two fine return catches, to finish with 5-12 off 10 overs.

At 32-6, legspinner Sam Whitney was introduced and he continued with his recent wicket-taking form by ripping through the lower order, finishing with 4-14. Brewood were dismissed for just 50 in the 29th over.

Vice-captain Whitney later commented that it was great for the team that Ralph and Weaver had both made a welcome return to form. “All areas seem to be clicking at the moment, and we’re coming into a massive few weeks in the season so hopefully this form continues,” he said.

Having now regained top spot in BDPCL Division Two after promotion rivals dropped points at the weekend, Bridgnorth travel to Stourbridge on Saturday, hoping for another strong performance to solidify their position.