STOURBRIDGE have moved up to second place in the league after an impressive victory at Millford Hall.

Stour secured a 143-run success last Saturday to boost their promotion hopes in Division Three of the Birmingham and District League.

Skipper Josh Banks was delighted with the showing, saying: "It was the complete performance I've been asking for. Everyone contributed to the win.

"We had a good result the week before against Newport and have managed to back that up.

"It's hard to single anyone out in particular but sometimes the new ball gets away from us a little and that didn't happen because Jade Richter bowled really well.

"The league is so close at the moment but we're in a really good position. I'm quietly confident that it could be a good year for us."

Winning the toss, Banks decided to bat first and once again openers Richard Bradley and Harshad Patel gave their team a sound foundation of 53.

The mantle of compiling a high score on a good track was past on to brother Matt with Patel. They did not disappoint and put on a 93 partnership.

Patel was caught behind for 75 off Stuart Phazey in the 37th over with the score on 147. Zain Ul Hassan and Bradley continued to build the innings to 160 until Bradley was judged leg before for 39 off Sam Jeavons, one of his six victims, in the 40th over.

Stour added 139 further runs through Ul Hassan (30) Josh Banks (54), Jade Richter (13) as the main contributors.

Milford Hall openers Stuart Phazey and Bradley Nash smashed 53 off nine overs, well over the required run rate of five runs per over.

Desperate for a breakthrough, Banks turned to an early introduction of spin. Dominic 0'Reilly bowled the aggressive Phazey for 39.

From then on wicket tumbled at a regular rate as the hosts were all out for 136 in the 40th over as Stour bagged another confidence-boosting win.

"The key in such a tight league is going to be consistency now," added Banks.

"The test is beating the teams around you and we have that chance this weekend.

"We did well but I still think there is plenty of improvement in us. The buzz around the club is the best it's been for four or five years."

Stour will welcome third-placed Sentinel to the War Memorial Ground this Saturday (noon start).

They will continue without bowler Dan Such, who has a long-term back injury, but could soon welcome Jujhar Johal back into the side.