Promotion to Birmingham and District Legue for local village club
SKIPPER Guy Bulpitt led by example as Milford Hall CC firsts secured promotion to the Birmingham and District League on Saturday.
Milford needed just three points from their final fixture at home to Beacon to clinch the Staffordshire Club Championship and did so after opening with a score of 247-7.
Openers, Mark Thompson (50) and Bulpitt laid down strong foundations, putting on 120 for the first wicket, before Bulpitt fell for 62.
However, the departure of the Milford captain sparked a collapse as they slipped to 152-6, before a half century stand between Tom Bowers (32) and Matt Cottrell (57 not out) saw them past the important target of 200.
Beacon got off to a good start in reply with Roger Fildes hitting 53, Daniel Green 42 and Nathan Howell 53 as they eased to 147-1. But much like the Milford innings, Beacon suffered a collapse that sent them reeling to 169-8.
Unfortunately, Milford were unable to cap a memorable day with a win as Beacon held on the for draw, finishing on 223-9 at the close. Leading wicket takers were Todd Henderson (3-41) and Richard Jones (3-44).
Milford take the title by 33 points from Pelsall, who lost their last match at Aldridge. The former will now join local rivals Penkridge, who finished third in division three, in the Birmingham league next season.
Although going down by six wickets at Beacon, Milford seconds finished runners- up in division 1A, whereas division 1A winners, Milford thirds won by 21- runs at home to Four Oaks. Tim Davis hit 71 for Milford.
Milford fourths (162-7) completed their season
