STOURBRIDE made an inauspicious start to the 2015 campaign losing to Penkridge in a rain affected match.

The Division Two clash in the Birmingham and District League had to be decided by the Duckworth Lewis calculations, which meant Stour was left to score 164 off 20 overs.

Stourbridge put into bat by the home side skipper Paul Szewczy revelled in taking two quick wickets.

Matt Bradley, now at the helm replacing his brother Richard, had the break through bowling Watson for four.

With the team score still on 11, Jitesh Jivan-Patel removed Holmes in the same manner for 6.

Rana Hassan and Atta Chisti took a liking to Stour bowling bludgeoning boundaries at will. Intercepted by shorty rain breaks the Penkridge score reached 169 for 2 with Hassan plundering 89 not out off 79 balls and Chisti 59 off 74 balls.

When the rain did stop, Stour was faced with a target of 160 off 20 overs, conditions favouring the home side.

Penkridge captured eight wickets and Stour strode to 99 off 18 overs, Smith finished with the best figures of 4 for 15 off four overs.

Stour will welcome Old Elizabethans to the War Memorial Ground this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Stourbridge seconds lost to their Kings Heath counterparts.

Kings Heath captain Shakir Tasleem won the toss and decided to put the home side in to bat on a fresh wicket.

Stour opener Ryan Willetts fell first for just one run. The early wicket brought further success for John Wadelin taking the wicket of number three Sam Blackmore for 4.

Caretaker skipper Chris Norgrove battled away for his 26 but fell third victim of Wadelin.

With the top order dismissed, youngsters Umar Khalid (40) and Will Jennings (29) stabilised Stour’s innings.

Jennings fell with the score on 102 caught off the bowling of Jie Diwaker.

Late resistance came from Scott Ludlam (29). But when Khalid was caught for 40 off Luke Baker home side innings folded easily.

Jack Wadelin taking a five wicket haul for a mere 13 runs off seven overs. The opposition number three Jei Diwaker was not out 65 and Javod Malik (42) ensured their team’s first victory of the season.