STRATFORD will look to put the frustration of Saturday’s abandonment behind them with a test of their title-chasing credentials at Handsworth on Saturday.
The Panthers’ reign as leaders of Birmingham League Division Three lasted only one week after they were frustrated by the weather when in a winning position at Old Hill.
Chasing Old Hill’s 147 all out, Chris Whelan’s side appeared to be on the way to victory at 108-1 in the 24th over.
However, with Stratford needing 41 runs off 31.4 overs to win, the weather intervened, forcing a halt to proceedings and leaving Stratford with a winning draw and 15 points.
The result meant Stratford slipped to third place – nine points behind new pace-setters Stourbridge – whose 100-run success at Pelsall took them top.
Rugby, who defeated Milford Hall by five wickets, occupy second, seven points behind Stourbridge and two ahead of Stratford.
The Panthers dominated at Old Hill from the very first ball when Sam Douthwaite bowled opener Zain Shahid.
At drinks, the Black Country hosts had rallied to 84-3 but from 91-3 they stuttered to 95-6 and they were finally all out for 147.
Ravi Nagra top-scored for Old Hill with 64, while Dexter Purser (4-36) and Archie Walker (3-19) were the successful bowlers for Stratford.
Although Purser had fallen for 52 off 79 balls, with the score at 107, Stratford were in the driving seat when the game came to a premature end.
The seconds fell to a six-wicket defeat at home to Berkswell. Stratford finished on 189-9 from their 50 overs but the visitors raced past their target in the 31st over.
Stratford Bards were six-wicket winners at home to Adlestrop in Cotswold Hills League Division Three. Adlestrop reached 195-7 but Bards eased home to secure their first win of the season.
