Following a comprehensive win against Hanley Castle in a previous game, at the weekend, Ross 2nds travelled to Stourport to play against the league leaders, in the hope of pulling off a major upset but, after an excellent batting display, Ross could not contain the Stourport batsmen and ultimately lost the game by six wickets.

Having won the toss, Richard Jeffryes opened his account with a six before quickly falling for 10. Stu Mair (29) and Keith Flitton (8) then battled hard against accurate bowling which saw Ross only on 46-2 at the half way point of the innings.

However, the pair had ensured that Ross had a platform to attack from, and after they had perished, the middle order moved through the gears mainly due to an excellent partnership between Tom Edwards (64) and Charlie Cole (36 not out).

The two mixed sensible defence, clever placement and some lusty hitting to take Ross well past the three figure mark.

Once Edwards was out, Jim Lewis (12) and Alexander Springer (20) helped keep the scoreboard moving, Springer hitting his first maximum for the club in doing so before the innings closed on 196-8.

Cole’s knock was his highest in senior league cricket and the way that he built his innings showed a maturity beyond his years.

After tea, Ross took to the field in the blazing sunshine and Adam Davies raised spirits further by bowling opener Waldron for ten.

However, most of the bowlers then struggled with their line and length, conceding far too many wides in the process and this allowed the league leaders to get well ahead of the required run rate and release the pressure of the run chase.

Ross did pick up more wickets along the way as first, Marcus Bailey, took a great catch off of the bowling of Lizzie Jeffryes to dismiss Foley for 24 before Alexander Springer had Harrison stumped by Jim Lewis for 31.

In all, Ross tried eight bowlers but only Charlie Cole and Chairman Mair conceded less than five an over so the hosts were able to ease to victory with plenty of overs in hand although not before Marcus Bailey enjoyed one final success, removing opener Lockwood for 70 thanks to a catch by Cole.

Ross can take heart from batting so well against the best bowling unit in the league, and some terrific individual contributions by the youngsters will raise confidence levels as the team seek to finish strongly in the last six weeks of the season.