Bridgnorth 194-9 Aston Manor 129-7
BRIGNORTH’S BDPCL division two season got under way with a rain affected draw at home to Aston manor on Saturday.
Having lost a crucial toss the hosts had first use of a damp seamer and were in some disarray at 54-4 when rain stopped play.
After the interruption skipper Mark MacPherson-Lees (34) and Jack Edwards (58) brought about a recovery before Sam Mumford (19), Sam Whitney (33) and Ed Lewis (12 not out) topped up a handy late order total to help their reach 194-9 for their 55 overs.
In reply the visitors were kept in check by some accurate bowling before skipper Dean Eavns (40) showed some enterprise, helping his team to up the required run rate before becoming one of Jono Whitney’s (4-52) victims.The weather continued to play its part and Bridgnorth were forced to chase wickets, which left gaps in the field.
After 31 overs the visitors were 129-7, which meant they took the lion’s share of the drawn points.
Skipper MacPherson-Lees remained philosophical, saying his side were always going to be up against it after losing the toss.
“It’s a good rule to keep something in a game when rain affects but it’s frustrating to have played most of the cricket and only get seven points to their 13,” he said.
“Their openers were useful on a helpful deck but we have recovered well to post that total and the lower middle order have batted well.
“The bowlers stuck to their task and their skipper has chanced his arm to get them back into it.”
Sutton Coldfield 153-7 Bridgnorth II 140 all out
AFTER putting the hosts into bat Bridgnorth were happy to have Sutton reeling on 153-7, with the experienced duo of Andy Leather (3-34) and Steve Caine (3-46) causing the damage.
At 112-3, with Andy Carson (20), Pete Thompson (47) and Ron Hughes (33) setting up a good platform, Bridgnorth looked in control.
But after both resident batsmen got out unnecessarily a collapse followed leaving the visitors on all out for 140.
Bridgnorth III 135-8 Hales 273-3
HALES batted first and raced to 275-3 declared playing some positive cricket against their young hosts. Graham Boyles on 154 not out led his side to the massive total as the Bridgnorth bowlers toiled against the onslaught, with Tom Baugh and Andy Mooney not enjoying the best of luck.
In reply three quick wickets put the home side on the back foot but a mature approach from El Pottinger (55) and Ollie Gill (30) saw a partnership of 90 for the fourth wicket, over 35 overs, which pushed their side on for the draw after finishing on 138-5.
Bridgnorth first XI went out of the Graham Williamson Plate the previous week when they lost by seven wickets at Kenilworth.