STOURBRIDGE continued their impressive start to the season as they strolled to victory over newly-promoted Redditch.

They claimed an eight-wicket win at the War Memorial Ground last Saturday by easily surpassing the visitors' low total of 149.

Redditch skipper Waqas Ali won the toss and decided to bat first on a good surface.

Openers Rizwan Chaudry and Tom Field put on 42 quick runs off the first six overs before the home side halted their progress.

Stour’s overseas player Nathan Crudeli had Chaudry caught behind for 31 before claiming the scalp of Field (11) soon after. Timothy Fitch (1) was trapped lbw for his third wicket.

Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals as the away side then faltered to the bowling of Jujhar Johal.

In reply, Stour's lost the wickets of opener Jujhar Johal (18) and Matt Bradley (18) before Harshad Patel (58) anchored the innings and saw his side home with number four Marvarick Perry (29).

Skipper Josh Banks said: "We have started really well and won the game comfortably in the end.

"They started quite quickly with the bat but once we got the first wicket and got into them the others started to fall.

"We then batted particularly well to take the win.

"Harshad left the ball well and picked his shots. It was a solid performance.

"It's a strange season knowing that we'll be heading into the Worcestershire League after a restructure was voted on but we are motivated to finish as high as we possibly can.

"It'd be great to win it heading into next year."

Stour will now take on Newport at home this Saturday as they look to maintain their fine start (noon start).

The weekend got even better for Banks' men as they claimed the scalp of Division One side Kidderminster in the National Knock-out Cup.

Marvarick Perry, who was a summer addition alongside Dwayne Crossgill, smashed 154 not out to help his side to 289-2 from 40 overs. He was brilliantly supported by an unbeaten 104 from Matt Bradley.

KCC could only make 219 in reply as Stour progressed to the next round.