Urquhart takes 5-29 as Panthers' winning run continues

CRICKET

JAMES Urquhart snapped up five wickets to ensure Stratford wrapped up a fourth win in six matches to keep pace with the title-chasers in the Birmingham League Division Three.

The Panthers’ bowlers were in devastating form to dismiss visitors Whitchurch for just 121 before the batsmen secured a six-wicket victory on Saturday.

It leaves Chris Whelan’s side 17 points behind leaders Rugby and 13 points behind Stourbridge in third place.

Having won the toss at Swan’s Nest Lane and electing to field, Stratford were quickly celebrating as Whitchurch slipped to 36-3.

Though Salim Ahmed (32) and Ijaz Yousaf (29) steadied matters to get the score to 81, Urquhart sparked another collapse as four wickets fell for two runs.

Urquhart finished with five for 29 off 13.5 overs and Sam Douthwaite took 2-31 off 17 miserly overs, including eight maidens. There was a wicket apiece for Richard Smith, Dexter Purser and Gareth Langman.

Opener Purser then stroked seven boundaries in an innings of 49 off 52 balls to set Stratford on their way in reply.

The hosts had 48 on the scoreboard before John Price fell for 22 before an unbeaten 29 off 34 balls from captain Whelan steered them home in the 27 over.

Top two Rugby and Stourbridge, meanwhile, both picked up their fifth win in six games with victories over Pelsall and Lichfield respectively.

Stratford Seconds also celebrated victory, defeating hosts Streetly by 44 runs in the 2 XI, Division Two South.

Despite having only ten players and being put into bat, Stratford got to 197-9, with Finlay Hatch top-scoring with 57 and James Harcourt (34) and Henry Hopkins (30) also contributing.

But an excellent team effort dismissed Streetly for 153 in the 49 overs, with Harry Jolly (3-45), Harry Abell (2-16) and Muhammad Dogar (2-38) leading the way.

Don’t miss this week’s Herald for more details and reaction.