CONFIDENT Stourbridge skipper Josh Banks is backing his side to show just what they're capable of against league leaders Newport.

The Shropshire-based table toppers visit the War Memorial Ground this Saturday (noon start) having lost just one of their opening six games in Division Three of the Birmingham and District League.

However, Banks thinks Stour can hit back in style following back-to-back defeats.

He said: "I really do believe that there are not too many stronger sides than us in the whole division.

"I really do fancy us to get the win against Newport and show exactly what we can do. They have started really well but I'd back us against anyone.

"I'm more than comfortable with my squad and think we'll be right up there at the end of the season."

Stour will have to hit back from last Saturday's defeat at Worcester Nomads. That loss followed the previous week's loss at Stratford.

Winning the toss at Worcester, Banks decided to field first and his bowlers did him proud restricting the scoring opportunities. Worcester could only muster up 100 off 37 overs for the loss of three wickets. Number three David White scored 44 when he was bowled by Zain Ul-Hassan, opener Guy Davies (3) was bowled early by Jade Richter and number two Trevor keen (33) was run out.

Ollie Ranscombe (72 off 63 balls) and Richard Henry (52 off 54 balls) changed the course of the game by doubling the run rate.

Stour's reply was marred by the loss of five wicket by the 18th over for 100 runs. The wickets of opener Harshad Patel (20) and Richard Bradley (0) came with the score of 48. Richard Henry accounted for other opener Alex Bingham (6) before Jujhar Johal (5) and Ul-Hassan (10) followed.

A captain's innings of an unbeaten 73 from Banks offered a life-line with support from Matt Bradley (16)‎ and Jade Rickter (26). The final wicket partnership between Banks and Dominic O' Reilly of 29 made the chase interesting before O'Reilly was caught off Cameron Blakey.

Banks said: "I thought the pitch would do a bit more than it did but it soon flattened out.

"Our main problems were with the bat. We needed one of our top order to hit a big score but it didn't happen. I can't fault the bowling or fielding at all.

"We haven't won the last two but I'm not going to stress. That can happen and it's not a big problem because we'll learn and come back strong."