Hatch plays starring role as Stratford 2nds sink Stourbridge

FINLAY Hatch produced a brilliant all-round performance as Stratford 2nds beat their Stourbridge counterparts by three wickets at the War Memorial Athletic Ground.

Losing the toss, Stratford were made to field on what looked like an ideal day for batting. Some good bowling limited Stourbridge to 233-9 from 50 overs with Finlay Hatch returning with 5-48 as the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Stratford lost three early wickets but, not for the first time in the game, Hatch led Stratford’s attack, finishing with 107.

He was well supported by Nick Jones (66no) who, with the help of Matt Dutton (20no), eventually saw Stratford over the line with an over to spare.

“It is always great to bring home 24 points, especially from a strong side like Stourbridge,” said 2nds skipper Harry Abell.

“Fin is a young lad, who has always had a fair bit of ability and it came off.

“He’s been promising with a few 50s in the last couple of weeks and he managed to take this one step further.”

The win takes Stratford into third, 20 points behind second-placed Kidderminster.