Stretton head for promotion

5:00pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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CHURCH Stretton strengthened their position at the top of Division 2 of the Shropshire County League with a 32-run win at Wellington 3rd.

After losing early wickets - Alan Crump (13) was the only top-order bat to reach double figures - their middle order laid the platform for the win. Martin Nichols (29), James Evans (27) and Eddie Brayne (34) scored valuable runs as the visitors posted 128 in 39 overs.

There was still work to be done in the field and things looked bleak when the home side reached 39-0.

Ed Smith (7-29) took over at this point, claiming his second seven-wicket haul in successive weekends.

Despite defending the same score, 128-8, the outcome was not as sweet for Bishop’s Castle, with home side Montgomery sneaking home with two wickets and five balls to spare.

Simon Norton (28), Richard Fifield (21) and Rhys Davies (23 not out) top-scored for Castle. After a steady start from Montgomery, wickets tumbled to Andrew Lewis (3-29) and Richard Langford (3-27) but their lower order rescued the day.

Corvedale’s prospects of finishing outside the relegation places in Division 4 suffered a setback when they lost by 80 runs to Cound 2nd at Millichope Park after being bowled out for just 40.

Fielding a very inexperienced side due to work and holiday commitments, the young side performed admirably in the field to dismiss Cound for 120 with the only experienced bowler Ross Mantle taking 5-28 and 14-year-old Jim Alderson, 2-28.

Paul Mantle (10) battled through most of the innings but received little support.

In Division 5 of the Crusader Worcestershire League, the local derby at Cleobury Mortimer went the way of visiting Knighton-on-Teme.

Knighton bowled the home side out for 133 in 41.3 overs and knocked the runs off for the loss of four wickets in the 36th over.