Panthers edged out in thriller against Old Hill

STRATFORD were edged out by three runs in a thrilling Birmingham League Division Three contest with Old Hill at Swan's Nest Lane on Saturday.

On a good day for the bowlers, Old Hill collapsed from 86 without loss to 144 all out with the assistance of 30 extras.

Dexter Purser took three for 17 for Stratford and hit the highest individual total of the match with 38 but his efforts were in vain as Shafiq Ahmed (4-16) and Naqaash Tahir (3-30) showed their experience to reduce Stratford to 99 for nine.

A last-wicket partnership of 42 between James Urquhart (28 not out) and Tom Whitting almost won the game for the Panthers, before Hasan Ahmed stepped up to grab the final wicket.

The defeat sees Stratford slip down to fifth in the table with two games to play.