Stratford open with back-to-back victories

STRATFORD made it two wins from two as they beat Solihull Blossomfield by two wickets in Saturday’s Warwickshire League Premier Division clash at Swans Nest Lane.

Some impressive bowling from Harry Dube saw him return figures of 4-31 as the visitors reached 227/9 from their 50 overs helped by Dominic Harding’s 100.

In reply, Neel Ammanath and Gareth Langman chalked up a partnership of 127 with the latter going on to score 70 as Stratford reached 229/8 with two overs to spare.

Elsewhere in the Warwickshire League, Studley hosted neighbours Earlswood in a Division Three derby at Washford Fields and it was the visitors who took the spoils.

James McSweeney top scored with 43 as they posted 167/9 and the all-rounder then took 5-13 as Studley were skittled out for just 92.

It was the opening weekend of the Cotswold Hills League and reigning champions Shipston suffered a five-wicket defeat at home to Wellesbourne.

Greg Ricketts did much of the damage with the ball, taking 4-16 off his ten overs as the home side were dismissed for 123. Skipper David Barnett (3-2) mopped up the tail. The visitors then reached their target in the 35th over with five wickets in hand.

Among the other Premier Division winners on the day were Tanworth & Camp Hill and newly-promoted Alcester & Ragley.