Bridgnorth (184) lost to Brockhampton (280-8) by 96 runs

Availability issues undoubtedly played a part in a disappointing weekend, but chasing a target of 281 to win proved a step too far for a team high in confidence following recent run-chases.

Skipper Sam Whitney chose to bowl first on another good wicket at Cricket Meadow, despite missing the services of paceman Charlie Morris. An early wicket apiece for Tom Weaver and Rowan Harland gave the hosts a promising start, but the visitors middle order then took control. Overseas player Muthusamy's 133 was the cornerstone of Brockhampton's final total of 280-8, whilst Weaver put in an excellent effort with the ball to concede just 48 runs from his 17 overs.

The rest of the wickets were shared around, particularly towards the end as the spin trio of Dan Vernon, Whitney and Mark MacPherson-Lees all took scalps in the death overs. The final total appeared less than what it might have been during the middle overs, but would prove more than enough as Bridgnorth's batsmen suffered a difficult afternoon.

The top order struggled to get the runs flowing in the reply, and wickets were lost in pursuit of a quick start as the Cricket Meadow men slumped to 42-6. Vernon was the only man able to counter-attack as he top-scored with a belligerent 86, and received support in the lower order from Weaver and Wallis.

Despite the late efforts, the inevitable result arrived in the 42nd over as Bridgnorth were dismissed for 184. "It's a shame our winning streak has come to an end," said skipper Whitney, "but with so many guys missing it was always going to be a tough game. Dan [Vernon] smashed it everywhere and disappointingly he was the only guy in the top six to get going. He had some good support from Weav and Cam late on, but by then the game had gone.

"We've got some tough weeks coming up now, but I'm still backing the guys to produce the results we need. We've shown how well we can play, and there's a lot more work to do if we are to stay in Division One, but I'm sure we can bounce back - the quality is there and we are backing ourselves."