Bridgnorth (119) lost to Barnards Green (141) by 22 runs

The match could easily have seen them go three from three in Birmingham League Division One.

It was the Cricket Meadow men’s first visit to the Malvern-based side, and after losing the toss the hosts decided to bat first. On a pitch that offered assistance for the seamers, Bridgnorth’s bowlers started too short and were punished by the top order, despite Cam Wallis taking the early wicket of Worcestershire 2nd team captain George Rhodes.

The introduction of Tom Weaver (4-29) brought about a change in momentum, as the swing bowler picked up three wickets in a single over and a further breakthrough shortly after to leave Barnards Green reeling at 90-6.

A recovery from the lower order saw a 44-run stand for the seventh wicket, but skipper Sam Whitney (3-19) and the returning Wallis (3-36) saw the home side dismissed for 141 in the 39th over.

Chasing a modest total, it was crucial that partnerships were built by the Cricket Meadow top order, but unfortunately wickets fell at regular intervals. At 59-6 it was Gareth Mumford (28) and Mark MacPherson-Lees who finally showed some fight for the visitors and gradually it seemed that victory was still possible.

Unfortunately, a further late collapse to the offspin of Blair Kingsland put paid to Bridgnorth’s hopes as they fell to 119 all out.

Skipper Whitney was disappointed with the result, suggesting it was a game that should have been won. “This was a great opportunity for us to go 3 from 3, but unfortunately we weren’t good enough on the day. We need to improve with the bat, we should have chased that total down and we need to learn from that. Today is another indication that we are more than capable of holding our own in this league, so it’s important we bounce back next week.”