Unbeaten Whitchurch have re-claimed top spot in Birmingham League division two.

They edged to a three wicket home success over Stratford-upon-Avon after surviving a late order wobble in pursuit of 154.

Thanks to 75 from Simon Gregory, the Heath Road men appeared to be cruising at 119-2.

A cluster of wickets saw them reduced to 141-7 but Aqsad Ali and Steve Williams kept their nerve to see Whitchurch over the line.

Earlier in the day, Rod Jones claimed 3-45 from 17 tight overs to restrict Stratford to 153-9.

Bridgnorth returned from Halesowen disappointed after a four wicket defeat.

David Exall and stand-in-captain Jono Whitney gave Bridgnorth the ideal platform with 80 and 70 respectively as the visitors reached 182-3.

But the middle and lower order failed to kick on as Bridgnorth were dismissed for 255 in the third last over.

And, despite Whitney taking 3-35, Halesowen timed their chase to perfection.

“The general feeling was that we didn’t get enough runs after Jono and David had set the innings up,” said spokesman Ray Perry.

“We didn’t bowl too badly but we needed a few more to defend.”

Oswestry are within two points of division three leaders Barnards Green after seeing off Shropshire rivals St Georges by 57 runs.

An unbroken eighth wicket partnership of 65 between Jonathan Miles and Sam Huxley – who made 29 and 39 respectively – was the key to visiting Oswestry reaching 222-7 after Dean Suter had made 50 and Alex Huxley 44.

Brendan O’Keefe took 4-55 for St Georges but, despite an unbeaten 36 from Lewis Sedgley, the hosts were bowled out off 165.

“It’s pleasing because, even though Barnards Green have won their last two matches, we have cut the deficit from 10 to two because we have got 24 points and they have only got 20,” said club captain Mike Robinson.

By JAMES GARRISON