Stratford slip to first defeat of the season

STRATFORD slipped to a 28-run defeat by DLS method against Tamworth in their Birmingham Premier League Division Two match at Swans Nest Lane on Saturday.

Josh Rudge (75), Dean van Deventer (62) and Jacob Flower (58) led the way for Tamworth as they made 261 despite the best efforts of Stratford skipper Mike Brown (6-81) and off spinner Perry Derrick (3-34).

The Panthers’ chase got off to a disappointing start that left them at 68-4 and they finished just short of their target at 210.

New signing David Bailey top-scored for Stratford on 65, while Derrick completed another excellent all-round performance with 32.

Josh Bowker, James Rudge, Flower and Rob Nield all took two wickets apiece for the visitors.

Full report, reaction and pictures in next week’s Herald