STRATFORD’S Birmingham League Division Two campaign got off to a winning start as new recruit Perry Derrick starred in a 21-run victory at Worcester outfit Old Elizabethans.
The winter recruit from Redditch made an unbeaten 51 off 47 balls to lead a recovery from 125-7 as Stratford made 211-8 from their 50 overs having been put into bat.
Opener Rob West made 51 but the rest of the batting order could not build on their starts and Stratford knew a good bowling performance was necessary if they were to prevail.
The hosts produced a similar batting performance to the visitors as most of their batsmen got starts but the top score was 33 as Tom Grundy, Mike Brown and James Urquhart all took two wickets apiece to keep OEs in check and it was Derrick who spun Stratford towards victory with 3-44 from ten overs as the home side were dismissed for 190 in the 48th over.
Stratford picked up 20 points and will look to maintain their good start when they host Tamworth on Saturday.
