Bridgnorth edge closer to promotion

Sam Whitney’s Bridgnorth side will be up if they can beat their Shropshire rivals at Cricket Meadow.

They scraped over the line on Saturday with a one-wicket success away to Leamington. Chasing 231 for victory, the visitors looked on course to cruise home at 155-2 with opener Ian Gregory on 67.

But Gregory’s dismissal sparked a collapse, despite 70 from Simon Gregory, that saw the game in the balance with Bridgnorth on 201-7.

A partnership of 28 for the eighth wicket between David Laird and Gareth Mumford almost saw Bridgnorth home.

And the nerves were jangling when Laird was out for 26 with the scores level.

But last man Sam Baugh picked up a single with four balls to spare to claim the win and keep Bridgnorth in second.

Adam Quiney claimed 3-52 as the hosts were bowled out for 230 after being put in, Waqar Ahmed top scoring with 101.

Shifnal did all they could do as an opening stand of 106 between Jack Edwards and Steve Leach set them on their way to a six-run win at Himley.

After being put in by the home side, Edwards (48) and Leach (98) provided the platform for Shifnal to post a challenging 276-8 from their 50 overs. Stuart Wedge took 4-39 for Himley.

The Staffordshire side’s innings followed a similar course with openers Oliver Westbury (60) and Greg Wright (40) putting on 105 for the first wicket.

Callum Lea top scored with 66 but tight bowling from Alex Wyatt (2-24 off 10) proved crucial for the visitors, while Alex Riley picked up three wickets.

Himley needed 12 off the last over but Wyatt held his nerve as the hosts finished on 270-8.