Stand-in captain Tom Weaver was able to exact revenge on a last-gasp defeat at Cricket Meadow earlier this summer as Bridgnorth’s bowlers ran rampant on Saturday.

Left-arm seamer Adam Quiney was superb with the new ball on a tricky wicket, showing his class as he ran through the top-order. Fellow left-armer Dan Kearsley proved an excellent foil as the tall paceman claimed two early wickets of his own as the hosts were pegged back in the opening overs.

A stunning one-handed leaping catch from Ian Gregory was the undoubted highlight in the field, as Bridgnorth dominated thanks to Quiney’s faultless fifteen-over spell that garnered six wickets for just 26 runs. Left-arm spinner Sam Baugh completed the job for the visitors with a miserly spell of his own, picking up a couple of scalps for himself to boot.

Needing just 65 to win, Gregory then gave his side a rapid start, hitting 20 off the third over to all-but confirm the result. The hosts managed to pick up a few consolatory wickets, before Simon Gregory and Peter Thompson eased their side over the winning line.
Skipper Weaver was delighted with his side’s efforts, on his first outing as captain of the Cricket Meadow men.

“I’m extremely proud to have captained the lads today, particularly after they put in a performance like that. Adam bowled some unplayable deliveries, and Dan and Sam supported really well.

“Once we hit the third over for 20 it was game over. Great team spirit and support from the lads today… we all really enjoyed this one!”

Bridgnorth (228-5) lost to Shelton (230-5) by five wickets

Bridgnorth’s second string put in one of their best performances of the season against Shelton on Saturday, but were ultimately pipped to the post.

The hosts made a good start against the best bowling attack in the league, as Alex Yarnley (65) and skipper Matt Martin (69) both made strong contributions. Ben Barclay (26) and Greg Lewis (21 not out) both added valuable runs in the middle order, as Bridgnorth were able to amass a decent 228-5 off 45 overs on a superb wicket.

Shelton’s openers then got off to a flier against a beleaguered attack missing regular strike bowlers, before they were pegged back by Charlie Walker and Lewis Hurdley claiming a wicket apiece. Off-spinner Yarnley then bowled an excellent spell of 3-30 to put the game in the balance with seven overs remaining.

Unfortunately the hosts weren’t quite able to close out the game, with the visitors’ running between the wickets proving the key towards the end. However, Bridgnorth will take a lot of heart from pushing the league leaders so close, despite missing a number of key players.

Bridgnorth III (111) lost to Acton Reynald (247-6) by 136 runs

The third team were undone by a strong Acton Reynald outfit, whose batting line-up made of the most of a weakened bowling attack.

Despite taking an early wicket, Bridgnorth struggled to control the attacking intent of the visitors’ top order, who helped themselves to boundaries at regular intervals. James White bowled a good spell in the middle overs, rewarded with two good wickets, before Huw Morgan picked up three wickets towards the end of the innings. But the final total of 247 off 40 overs would prove far too many.

After losing three early wickets, Rich Ealey and Lez Evans combined for a fifty-run partnership and hinted at an unlikely comeback for the home side. But the fourth wicket signalled the start of a collapse, as Bridgnorth were ultimately dismissed for 111 off 28 overs.