A rollercoaster final day saw the momentum sway back and forth, with Shropshire and promotion rivals Shifnal also taken to the wire by a spirited batting display from Barnards Green. However, the Cricket Meadow men just didn't quite have enough to gain the points required, but will take great pride from their efforts this year and will surely be seen as genuine challengers in 2019.

Bridgnorth (228) lost to Brockhampton (229-9) by one run

It was an emotional end to the season in Birmingham League Division One as the final placings were not confirmed until the final ball of the day, but Bridgnorth will look back on a season where they achieved more than many had expected.

The day was dominated by Brockhampton's Nicholas Powell, whose unbeaten 103 saw his side recover from 137-8 to finish on a highly competitive 229-9 off 50 overs. Adam Quiney was once again superb with the new ball to take two early wickets, before skipper Sam Whitney finished year on a high with the ball to take 4-35. Sam Baugh again impressed with 2-44 off his ten overs, but all were left to rue not being able to finish off the innings much earlier.

Bridgnorth's reply was once again led by the in-form Ian Gregory, who finished the season as the highest runscorer for the Cricket Meadow men - a good reflection of the hard work the determined opener has put in. The innings then stuttered after an injury to Ryan Lockley and at 102-5 the needed victory seemed a long way off.

Whitney then pushed himself up the order, a decision that appeared masterful as he hit a run-a-ball 45, and alongside the recovered Lockley put on a vital 67 runs to put the innings back on track. But the irrepressible Powell would eventually have the final say and break Bridgnorth hearts. Effecting a run-out before taking 4-32 with the ball to cap off a match-winning performance, some stunning lower-order efforts from Matt Martin, Gareth Mumford and Baugh almost pulled off an unlikely comeback.

In the end, the match would prove that Bridgnorth are not quite ready for a first season in the Premier Division. But it also showed beyond doubt just how far the Cricket Meadow men have come under the leadership of Sam Whitney, who was quick to praise his whole squad.

"We have put in some incredible performances this season, and I'm extremely proud of the whole squad. It's going to hurt and it should, but that's sport and these are the big moments you play for. Unfortunately we couldn't quite get over the final hurdle. Congratulations to Shifnal, they deserve to be up there next year."

Bridgnorth II (146-2) beat Old Hill (142) by eight wickets

Bridgnorth's second string completed their final Birmingham League season in fine style, unbeaten in 2018 and with the highest points total in any division.

Steve Caine made a memorable return to claim headlines with the ball by taking 5-18, as Old Hill were dismissed for 142. Dan Kearsley, Ross Hurdley and Alex Yarnley also claimed a wicket apiece, after the visitors top-order had made a solid early start to reach 72-1 before being undone.

The response was then led by Andy Carson, as the stylish left-handed opener stroked an excellent unbeaten 66. Well supported by Ben Barclay (32 not out) the result was never really in doubt and confirmed after 25 overs.

Bridgnorth III (169-5) beat Trysull (168-6) by five wickets

The thirds also came out on top in a hard-fought game at Quatt, as they also finished their league season on a high.

After the visitors decided to bat first, they were kept quiet thanks to excellent opening spells from Matt Bowler-Jones and James Dawkins on a good batting wicket, but stood firm despite a fine run-out from Niall McAdam.

The dismissal of captain Neil Bennett for 47 triggered a counter-attack from Trysull, led by an unbeaten 64 from Simon Cross and a quickfire 26 from Muhammad Usama. But the final total of 168 off 40 overs seemed within reach.

Home openers Richard Ealey and Guy Black then set about the chase in fine style, putting on a century opening stand. After Ealey's dismissal for 33, Black continued his superb late-season form to put Bridgnorth well in front, but when out for 89 the visitors sensed a chance to get back into the game.

But a slight middle order wobble was halted by calm batting from James Dawkins (16 not out) before Charlie Walker sealed the final win of 2018 with an excellent straight drive for four.