Market Drayton 1sts enjoyed a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Church Stretton and moved up to sixth in Shropshire Cricket League Divison 2, just 17 points behind second-placed Lilleshall.
Drayton won the toss and the visitors were reduced to 20 for 3 wickets after the first 10 overs.
Opening bowlers Sam Allen (3-21) and Jessie Thompstone (1-20) were in control, backed by a fine fielding performance. Church Stretton responded with some resilient batting from Peter Lee (32) and Chris Smith (24).
Although Drayton failed to grab the fourth wicket for some time, the run rate was controlled very well with the south Shropshire managing just over two runs an over.
Drayton’s patience was finally rewarded when wicketkeeper Bruce Harris ran out Peter Lee with a fine, direct hit just as Church Stretton tried to push the run rate along.
Wickets then began to fall as the 45-over maximum approached, but the home side were unable to clear up and the visitors closed on 120-8.
The run chase started well when John Upton hit the first ball for four and Paul Martin also looked in good form as the pair regularly found gaps in the field.
Drayton soon passed the 50-run mark without losing a wicket before Martin was out lbw for 25, a decision he was clearly unhappy with.
Nigel Wellings came to the crease but he soon joined Martin back in the pavilion as he picked out a fielder at mid-on off the bowling of Martin Nichols for just nine.
The fall of his wicket gave Church Stretton a glimmer of hope, but it was not to be as Charles Harrison (11) and John Upton with an unbeaten 63 saw Drayton past the target of 121.
It was their second eight-wicket victory in a row and they will hope to continue their good form when they visit Knockin & Kinnerley this Saturday at 2pm.