STUDLEY CC produced a fine performance to beat Dunlop Pak Stars by 10 runs in a rain-affected match.
The visitors made a strong start at Dunlop Sports and Social Club as openers Kieron Ward (42) and Chris Moss (25) helped Studley past the 50-run mark.
A superb 66 from Dan Taylor, supported by Steve Rose (28) and an unbeaten 19 from Charlie Bass saw Studley finish on 209-8 from their 50 overs.
Some light rain at the beginning of Dunlop’s innings revised the home side’s target to 179 off 38 overs.
And Studley started well with the ball as Bass (0-31) and Andrew Rhodes (0-16) restricted Dunlop’s scoring.
Oliver Harris (3-62) took three crucial wickets while youngster Ward (2-36) delivered an impressive spell.
The experienced Stuart Harris (4-20) made the difference as Dunlop fell 10 runs short of victory after closing on 168-9.
Studley’s stand-in captain, Chris Moss, said: “We played some excellent cricket, our ground fielding and catching were ultimately the difference between the two teams.
“We fielded and caught brilliantly. We knew we needed 200-plus runs to give our bowlers something to defend, and they all delivered when it mattered.
“Every player contributed, and we need to maintain these standards in the remaining games.”
The result means Studley sit 11th in the Warwickshire County League Division Two table.
Studley are next in action against high-flying Berkswell on Saturday, July 27 with the match to begin at 12.30pm at Studley Cricket Club.
