RICHARD Bradley admits Stourbridge CC’s “dream” start to the season is causing some selection headaches.

Stour have won their first four games to open up a 29 point advantage at the top of Worcester League Division One.

Their latest success came with a hard-fought 49 run derby win against Pedmore in which once again Stour’s bowling attack was the star of the show - even without top duo James Musk and David Jones.

And the skipper admits the likes of brother Matthew Bradley and Kalpesh Patel have now put themselves in the spotlight ahead of this weekend’s Bank Holiday double-bill away at Pershore on Saturday and at home to Worcester Nomads on Monday.

He said: “We’ve got a few decisions to make this week that’s for sure.

“Matt and Kalpesh both came in and picked up wickets, it’s given us a few options in the bowling which has been the strongest part of our game so far along with our fielding.

“It’s been a dream start to be fair, we couldn’t have hoped for better.

“I think in fairness you could say we had a decent run of early games, the first three teams we played you would expect to be down there come the end of the season.

“But Pedmore are a strong side and Saturday was a good win.”

On a difficult pitch, Josh Banks and Greg Jones joint top-scored for Stour with 38 in a battling total of 197-8 from 50 overs.

In reply, Pedmore struggled early on and the dismissal of Nitin Malhotra for five left them reeling at 34-5. Paul Pickering blasted 66 to aid a recovery of sorts but they still fell short, eventually being dismissed for 148 in 41.4 overs.

While Stour are flying high, defeat left winless Pedmore in tenth, though Bradley has tipped Stuart Bate’s side for a top half finish.

He added: “Pedmore gave us the toughest test we have had so far.

“I think they’ve been unlucky early on with the weather in some of their games but they have good players and I think they’ll have a good season.

“It was a tricky wicket on Saturday and we knew around 200 would give us a chance. Once again our bowlers came up with the goods.”

Pedmore seconds gained a modicum of revenge for the club with a resounding nine wicket win over their Stour counterparts.

Batting first, skipper Keith Jones scored a sparkling 67 and Matt Jeavons 47 but Stour could only muster 172 all out.

In response J Wenham smashed an unbeaten 103 as Pedmore cruised to victory.

There was better news for Stour’s third XI who secured a nine wicket triumph of their own against Claverley.

Shabir Butt took three wickets as Stour limited Claverly to 131 and Aiden Avey hit 53 not out as Stour chased down the runs.