STOURBRIDGE survived a stunning middle order collapse to claim their first Birmingham League Division Two triumph this season with a 27 run success at Wombourne.

Skipper Matt Bradley said: "Getting that first win is a real weight off our shoulders and I hope it will give everybody the confidence we need to move forward."

Bradley had elected to bat first and then watched his side slump from a promising 40 without loss to 108 for seven after opening bat Alex Bingham had put 33 of those runs on the board.

Bradley insisted: "The pitch was a bit dodgy and difficult to bat on. You never felt on top of it.

He dropped his brother Richard Bradley down the order to bat at number eight but together with James Windows, they put together a stand of 84 for the eighth wicket to turn matters around.

Richard Bradley reached 55 while Windows remained unbeaten on 37 not out as Stourbridge recovered to make a much more formidable 212 all out.

Matt Bradley added: "Richard decided to attack the bowling, which was the right thing to do. You could tell by the look on Wombourne's faces that they were really disappointed at tea and the message was the fact we'd got on top."

Wombourne were well placed in reply and took the score to 110 for three at one point. But Stourbridge responded kept taking wickets. Umar Khalid claimed four for 64 while Jitesh Jivan-Patel picked up four for 48, overseas player Audy Alexander claiming the other two wickets to fall as Wombourne were finally reduced to 185 all out.

"We had a pre-arranged casino night back at the club afterwards, which proved much more enjoyable after winning," added Bradley.

Stourbridge followed up this victory with their Sunday XI thrashing Halesowen by nine wickets in the Worcester League.

Audy Alexander struck 54 not out as Stourbridtge easily chased down a modest Halesowen target of 120 all out.

Matt Bradley will want more of the same this Saturday when Stourbridge entertain Brewood at Amblecote with off-spinner Junead Afzal coming back into contention after injury.

Meanwhile, Stourbridge have successfully been awarded a grant to enhance its facilities.

The financial boost will enable the club to purchase new rain covers and a Bowdry water removal machine.

The funding forms part of the England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) Small Grant Scheme, which aims to create a sustainable future for affiliated cricket clubs through vital improvement of their facilities.

Waitrose, the England Team sponsor, supported the scheme by pledging £100 for every four or six scored across the entire home international summer in 2014.