RICHARD Bradley says Stourbridge CC will continue to play positive cricket as they close in on the Worcester League title.

The Amblecote side have a 70 point cushion at the top ahead of a potentially definitive fortnight in which they face their three closest rivals - starting with the visit of Pershore this Saturday.

Bradley knows Stour have the chance to knock their rivals out of the race one at a time and it is not inconceivable they could be crowned champions as early as August 20.

But he says they must keep the hammer down.

Bradley said: “We are in a position where any team we beat over the next three weeks will not be able to catch us.

“If we win on Saturday it will mean an 85 point lead over Pershore and I can’t see them closing that over six games.

“It’s going to need us to slip badly and for someone else to go on quite a run.

“As long as we get positive results we will be in a strong position.

“It may be winning draws will do for us but we won’t be thinking like that. We will be going all out for the win.”

Stour came through a significant test last weekend with a 118 run victory over rivals Pedmore.

Bradley admitted to being a little disappointed with a batting performance which yielded a total of 265. But once again his bowling attack were in unstoppable form, as the hosts were bombed out for just 147 - with David Jones and Kalpesh Patel each taking four wickets.

It’s not the first time an opposing side has wilted in the heat of Stour’s attack and Bradley his well aware he has an embarrassment of riches at present.

He said: “Everyone is in form at the moment and as a bowling unit we have great depth.

“It’s got to the stage where a player like Jitesh Patel, who has been away for the last few weeks, is going to struggle to get a place back in the team.

“It’s a really healthy position to be in.”