Khan's six-wicket haul sinks Stratford

STRATFORD slipped to a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Birmingham Premier League Division Three leaders Newport at Audley Avenue on Saturday.

Shabbir Khan did the damage with 6-60 as the Panthers were dismissed for 187. Only Alex Marney (61) offered any resistance to the Newport attack.

The home side reached their target in the 43rd over thanks to Maisam Hasnain Jaffri (108no) and Mark Downes (59no).

Skipper Mike Brown (2-45) was the pick of the Stratford bowlers.

Newport are now 15 points clear at the top of the table, while Stratford drop to fourth.

There was better news for Stratford 2nds, who moved up to fourth in the Second S 2nd XI Division table following a five-wicket success over Pershore at Swans Nest Lane.

Anthony Pratley (4-53) and Sam Douthwaite (3-46) took seven wickets between them as Pershore were skittled out for 181.

Will Noble (41), Henry Hopkins (36) and skipper Josh Hickman (37) led the way with the bat as Stratford reached their target in the 49th over.

Full report and reaction in this week's .