Stourbridge aiming to sink their title rivals

The Premier Division leaders host fourth-placed Redditch at War Memorial Ground on Saturday knowing victory would end their rivals’ championship hopes.

Stourbridge go into the game with a 21-point advantage over Redditch, but are just seven clear of second-placed Chaddesley following last weekend’s winning draw at Old Hill with three games remaining.

The clash with Old Hill was reduced to 27 overs per side and Stour’s hopes of forcing a win took an early blow when they were asked to bat first.

Mavarick Perry (79) and Jujhar Johal (49) helped them to 185-6 and they they reduced Old Hill to 28-4 thanks to wickets each from Dan Wale and Daniel Such.

But Old Hill then dug in to end on 79-4, with Jon Wright 34 not out and Zain Shahid unbeaten on 24.

Bewdley checked Redditch’s glory bid by claiming a winning draw.

A fine 88 from skipper Rob Coombes helped Bewdley post 197-7 from 50 overs.

Paul Taylor then took 4-53 as Redditch were restricted to 172-9 in reply.

Chaddesley, who travel to Pershore on Saturday, boosted their title hopes with a comfortable seven-wicket success at home to Stourport.

Opening bowlers Bilal Hassan (4-17) and Ikram Mussadaq (3-43) helped roll Stourport for 70. Mohammed Sajid then led the victory charge with 52.