Craig Heath is the star turn for Sentinel
Skipper Ed Ashlin is in high spirits after Sentinel claimed their first-ever victory in the Birmingham League.
The Shrewsbury-based side – who are in Division Three after winning the Shropshire County League last term – opened their account with a 47-run win at Stratford-upon-Avon, writes Joe Edwards.
The result comes after a narrow loss to Newport on the opening day.
“We are really happy. Moving up to a new division, we were conscious about getting off to a good start,” said Ashlin.
“We wanted to get a couple of wins if we could and after not being far off against Newport, we managed to get a win against a good Stratford side.”
Sentinel batted bat first and, although opening batsman Matthew Richards was dismissed after picking up just two runs, they racked up a fantastic total of 306-4 thanks to fine knocks from Craig Heath and Malcolm Serplet.
Heath ended unbeaten with a superb 108 from 91 balls, including 14 fours and three sixes, while Serplet made 81.
In reply, Stratford opener John Price struck 76 but two wickets apiece from David Laird, Alex Johnson and Dominic Bradburne helped Sentinel dismiss their hosts for 259.
“There were some great performances. Craig Heath was very destructive with the bat – once he gets going, you know he can really help you pull away,” added Ashlin.
“Malcolm Serplet did really well too, it was a fantastic partnership.
“We didn’t actually start very well with the ball but we kept chipping away and got the reward.”
Newport top the table after after sealing back-to-back triumphs with an 11-run successs at home against Astwood Bank.
The hosts batted first and had both Jamie Prew (60) and Maisam Hasnain Jaffri (55) in good form as they finished 284-6.
Astwood Bank’s higher order did not fare well, with the first five batsman being dismissed in pretty quick fashion.
Pete Alexander, in at number six, was in superb form though, hitting 19 boundaries – 11 fours and eight sixes – as he ended up 135 not out.
Despite his contribution, and 47 from Tom Shepherd, they fell short as they finished on 273-9. The result means Newport join Brewood and Stourbridge as the three teams in the division to have won both of their opening games.
Oswestry made it two wins out of two in Division Two with a 21-run win over Harborne at Morda Road.
