National progress for Bridgnorth Under-15s
Bridgnorth claimed a thrilling victory over Himley with three balls to spare to progress to the next round of the National Under-15s Knockout.
The Shropshire county champions made the short trip across the border and asked their hosts to bat first after skipper Albert Roberts won the toss.
Some impressive bowling from openers Joseph Smallman and Ross Hurdley kept Himley in check, with the latter taking a smart caught and bowled in the fourth over to claim the first wicket.
First change bowler Jake Millichamp then kept things tight claiming 1-13 from his four overs.
The fielders backed up the bowlers with excellent catches by Ben Prior and Alex Starr. Himley eventually finished on 132-5.
Bridgnorth suffered an early setback in their reply when Ben Lees was dismissed for 11.
But Hurdley batted brilliantly, hitting a half-century, including five boundaries and a six, before he had to retire after reaching his milestone.
He shared a 60-run partnership with Smallman (22) as Bridgnorth reached the 100 mark in the 14th over and looked set for a comfortable victory.
But Himley hit back to take some late wickets to leave the visitors on 122-6 after 18 overs.
A late push with a boundary each for Prior and Millichamp saw Bridgnorth home with three balls to spare on 136-6.
The result means Bridgnorth will now take on Worcestershire champions Barnt Green on July 24.
Cricket Shropshire competitions manager Steve Aston said: "Congratulations to Bridgnorth on a fantastic result on their travels representing Shropshire in a national competition.
"Good luck to the boys for the next round against Barnt Green, let's hope they can keep their great run in the competition going."
