EVESHAM started their build-up to the Birmingham League campaign with a hard-fought defeat to Stratford in the Journal Trophy.

The town side have retained all except one of last season's first-team squad and also recruited Mark Penter from Western Australia.

Penter is a highly-rated left-hand opener who bowls off spin and is joined by Old Hill's Ian Suckling and Worcestershire Under 17s wicketkeeper Chris Weaver from Redditch.

Former Worcestershire and England all-rounder Neal Radford has been signed for another season.

Against higher-ranked Stratford, Evesham lost the toss and had to bowl in drizzle and blustery conditions.

Although restricted at first by tight bowling from Will Bailey (2-36) and Francois Nel, Stratford's innings was dominated by South African Solly Ndima (121).

Ndima rescued them from 27-2 and hauled them to 271-4 from 45 overs with David Lamb adding 55 not out.

In reply, Ian Stowe was lost in the first over but Penter and skipper Barry Clements rebuilt the innings only to fall in quick succession.

Stuart Berry (101) led the run chase in style and was well supported by Suckling (36) but they were always behind the run-rate and ended up 27 runs short.

The seconds beat Stratford by six wickets at Avon Street in a rain-reduced game.

Will Lloyd (2-15), Tom Paul (1-21) and Matt Knight (1-15) picked up wickets in Stratford's 118-4 from 30 overs.

In reply, skipper Andy Shorey led from the front with a bright 30, while Marcus Humpston lashed 28no and Knight 19no to finish the game off with four balls left.