Walker and Clarke combine to down the leaders

STRATFORD 2nds’ opening bowlers showed their class as they eased past Birmingham League 2nd XI Division South leaders Pershore on Saturday.

The toss was crucial, as overnight rain caused some patches of the wicket to be sodden. Thankfully for Stratford, they won it and inserted the hosts into bat.

The opening partnership of Archie Walker and Lee Clarke won Stratford the game. They both set the tone, with Walker striking in his first over and Clarke giving nothing away at the other end.

Walker, in particular, showed great control at good speed allowing his team to set very attacking fields to exploit the conditions.

The method of Walker’s dismissals showed the quality of his bowling, with the majority taking the outside edge or bowled.

Leaving the hosts at 38-7, Stratford knew that even with a partnership, they would not be able to score a competitive total. Pershore were dismissed for 130.

Stratford’s openers started well, capitalising on the drying wicket. Charlie Blake proved to be the aggressor as his partners fell at the other end, punishing anything short to the boundary.

As a few wickets fell, including that of Blake shortly after reaching his 51, at better than a run a ball, which allowed Jake Salmon to bat in his aggressive manner, striking 35 off just 21 balls.

The Panthers managed to chase down the total with 19 overs to spare.

“What’s really impressive is the number of individuals who are stepping up in each game,” beamed stand-in skipper, James Urquhart.

“We’re not replying on one or two players to win us games. It really is a team effort.”