STOURBRIDGE extended their lead at the top of the table after a double century stand between Matt Bradley and Mavarick Perry sealed a big win over Rugby.

Stour continue to set the pace at the head of Birmingham and District League Division Three after chasing down 278 at the War Memorial Ground last Saturday.

A half century from Jeevan Barhey, as well as a host of dropped catches, helped the visitors to a competitive total.

They had been at 147-5 at one stage before a seventh-wicket stand of 69 between Lee James (40) and George Terry (45) built on Barhey's 57.

Stour’s target of just over five runs an over became tougher when openers Harshad Patel (0) and Jujhar Johal (17) fell victims to the bowling of Lee Golding.

However, Perry's unbeaten 145 and Bradley's 103 helped the home side reach their goal in the 45th over.

The victory lifts them 13 points ahead of second-placed Stratford as Rugby dropped to third.

Skipper Josh Banks hailed another fine display but says there will be no let up as his side prepare for a difficult trip to Stratford this Saturday (noon start).

He said: "It was a quick outfield and I thought Matt and Mavarick batted phenomenally well.

"It was our highest run chase this season but I thought we had a chance.

"We just made it more difficult for ourselves than it might have been but that is something we can work on.

"We beat Bewdley in the County T20 on Monday night and our fielding was really good, so it's not a concern.

"There is still improvement in us but we won't be getting ahead of ourselves.

"We'll keep going and have a look where we are after the Stratford game because it's going to be a real test."