Dragons back on trail

St Georges went from the ridiculous to the sublime as they registered their second victory of the Birmingham League division two season.

Having been dismissed for 69 and 52 in their last two outings, the Dragons dramatically chased 257 for a thrilling final over six-wicket victory at Tamworth.

Mo Arif was the hero of the hour with an unbeaten 136, with Chris Miller adding 47 and Steve Taylor 26.

Taylor and Miller had both taken two wickets earlier in the day as Tamworth finished on 256-6.

"Full credit to the lads because to come back from two appaling performances in the last two games and chase down a score like that was a great achievement," said delighted captain Matt Tilt.

"We thought at the time that they were about 20 runs short.

"Mo batted superbly and timed it to perfection and everybody else batted well around him. It was an important win which sets us up."

Bridgnorth's excellent start to the season continued as they marched into second place in division three after winning a derby thriller at Whitchurch.

A fine unbeaten 117 from Richard Oliver helped Whitchurch post 214-7 from their 55 overs, Jono Whitney claiming three wickets for the visitors.

Bridgnorth were given hope by 43 from Matt Martin, 33 from Whitney and 27 from David Exall.

Gareth Mumford then made 30 before Jason Francis put the seal on a victory with an unbeaten 36.

"I thought we let them get a few too many because they scored 100 in the last 15 overs," said spokesman Ray Perry.

"But it was an excellent chase and a really pleasing victory."

Newport remain deep in relegation trouble after suffering a 70-run defeat in their home game with Eastnor. The visitors scored 214 before being dismissed in the 54th over, Ed Parton picking up four wickets.

After the Furniss brothers – Paul and Rob – had provided the home side with a solid start, the innings fell away and they were all out in the 49th over for just 144.

"We let them score too many but we should have got a lot closer to the target than we did," said chairman Bob Williams, who remains hopeful Indian professional Rajat Bhatia will provide a much-needed lift by arriving before next weekend.