BROMSGROVE Second XI entered the fray on Saturday, aiming for maximum points to put further pressure on leaders Wellington, who are now within reach.

Well-positioned Shifnal, however, had other ideas.

Put in to bat on a dry bouncy home wicket, Bromsgrove had an immediate hiccup, losing Keyte, first ball.

This brought Julian Court to the wicket. Both he and Mark Bilbrough took time to assess the bowling, before unleashing an outright assault on the Shifnal bowlers, with Mountford and Scurr, coming in for particular punishment.

With a combination of good running and fine stroke play, 'Grove reached 68 from only 15 overs when Court's over exuberance got the better of him for 28.

Bennison tried to steady the innings but fell for 12, while last week's hero, Tom Hope, and Dan Keyte also fell cheaply.

But the strength of 'Grove this year has been its depth, and again quality down the order showed its worth.

Richard Hope (31) formed a fine 80 partnership with the omnipresent Bilbrough, to move the score along again to 191.

Ian Ramsey (18) then showed his abilities with some fine strikes in support of senior partner. Opener Bilbrough was finally out in the last over, having guided the team to 224 for eight from 50, and in the process notched up his maiden league century, an excellent 111.

In reply, Shifnal refused to be dominated, playing good shots from the outset.

The Boars took advantage of some loose shots to claim two early wickets, Lawton in particular giving the batsmen something to think about.

But as Shifnal knuckled down, and 'Grove continued to spill the opportunities offered, the confidence of the visitors grew.

The soft ball offered the all-seam attack little encouragement and Lewis, took advantage with some fine striking of the ball, and with assistance from Dawes (35), and Mountford (21), steered the visitors to the home total.

Lewis (117 no) controlled and judged the innings to perfection, as Shifnal scored the winning runs in the final over.

l Teamsheets on Sport One.