REDDITCH had mixed fortunes over the Bank Holiday weekend, with a 66-run victory over Stourbridge on Saturday followed by a 159-run defeat at Beacon on Monday.

In the Saturday game, taking first innings on a dry, dusty pitch, Redditch were made to fight hard for their runs. Dan Protherough, anchored the innings with 37 with Alan Houghton adding 24.

There was also a promising first team debut for 16-year-old Russell Southwick who scored 19.

The innings was given a boost by Dan Friedrick (42) and Richard Stokes (26 no) to give Redditch a total of 185-7 off their 55 overs.

In reply, Stourbridge were soon in trouble against the Redditch opening attack of Robin Biddle (4-19) and Tim Piper (3-57) to reduce the visitors to 64-7.

Despite some spirited resistance from the lower order, Stourbridge were dismissed for 129.

On Monday, Beacon took first innings and totalled 289-7 while Redditch were dismissed for 130 all out.

Captain Nev Mason said: "You could say it was not the best day at the office.

"Our batsmen just didn't perform particularly well and Beacon bowled and fielded well and deserved to win quite comfortably."

He added: "However, we did win on Saturday, we are at home against Bridgnorth next and we usually do quite well at home, so we look forward to that."

REDDITCH 2nds, away to Stourbridge achieved a winning draw. They batted first and posted 240-7 off 50 overs with Luke Davis 34, Mike Parnell 42 and Axel 39, Geoff Eley 65 and Dave Apperley 22 together with Ashley Freeman 15 not out.

In reply Stourbridge finished at 191-7. There were two wickets each for Sujay Jaya 2-34 and Steve Rose 2-47 and one each for Dave Apperley and Warren Bisp.