Stourport edge to derby victory (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Stourport edge to derby victory

6:00pm Thursday 6th September 2012 in Local

STOURPORT will finish as top Wyre Forest dogs in Worcestershire Division Two after edging out Bewdley in a tight derby contest on Saturday.

They boast a 31-point lead over fifth-placed Bewdley, and can end the season in third.

Bewdley’s total was some way short of par, but Rob Combes returned to form with a smooth half-century, and the lower order was marshalled by Mike Harris with a composed 33 not out as they made 168-8.

Dan Platt spearheaded Stourport’s reply with 70, and although Bewdley chipped away, Stourport reached 172-7 with five overs to spare.

Stourport entertain Rushwick at home on Saturday, while Bewdley entertain leaders Alvechurch and Hopwood (both 12.30pm start).

Bewdley seconds gave league champions Hagley a scare before settling for a losing draw.

Hagley made a bright start with Simon James scoring 79, but an early injury to James Marsh preventing Bewdley from fielding a full-strength attack and it needed the introduction of Cyril Ramsay (4-54) to limit the damage.

Middle-order runs from Darren Andrews (42) and Andy Shaw (30) propelled the score to 231-7, but Bewdley were soon in trouble with Ben Jones Jnr falling without a run on the board but Martin Flack (83 retired hurt) was again in fine form. Connor Franklin and Andy Halkon gave Bewdley a sniff of victory but Flack was forced to retire hurt with a dislocated shoulder, the game still in the balance at the time.

Bewdley settled for the draw, closing on 191-7.