Stratford suffer setback as title rivals claim winning draw

STRATFORD slipped down to third in Birmingham and District League Division Three after title rivals Stourbridge claimed a winning draw at Swan's Nest Lane on Saturday.

Consistent batting from Marvarick Perry (68), Nathan Crudeli (50) and Matthew Bradley (49) took Stourbridge to 300 for eight, in 55 overs, with James Urquhart taking three for 79 for Stratford, from 14 overs.

Stourbridge encountered tough middle-order resistance from Chris Whelan (74), John Price (48) and Declan Waddington (37) and they were unable to take the final wicket before the innings closed on 246 for nine with Crudeli taking three for 36.

Rugby moved above the Panthers into second after they returned to winning ways with a six-wicket win over Newport.

In the Second S 2nd XI Division, Stratford 2nds (234-7) beat their Stourbridge counterparts (233-9) by three wickets at the War Memorial Athletic Ground.

Full report and reaction in this week's Herald.