NATHAN Crudeli starred with the bat and ball as Stourbridge continued their Division Three dominance last Saturday.

Stour bagged a 172-run success over Old Elizabethans at the War Memorial Ground to maintain their unbeaten run this season.

The leaders hit the 200 point mark thanks to another impressive display. They piled on the runs through opener Jujhar Johal's 91 after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

The visitors did manage to minimise early damage to the run-rate by taking the wickets of Dominic O’Reilly (4), Matt Bradley (28), and Marvarick Perry (32).

However, a sixth wicket partnership of 129 between Nathan Crudeli and skipper Josh Banks continued to hurt the visitors.

Crudeli took charge to smash 121 not out off just 74 deliveries before Banks was caught in the closing overs off Bastable for 33 as Stour finished on 329.

The overseas star then took four wickets (4-21) as the home side pushed towards another maximum points haul.

Michael Cooper (54) top scored for the visitors before he was caught off the bowling Crudeli.

Dwayne Crossgill (2-46), Dan Such (2-18) and Dominic O'Reilly (1-11) also struck as Old Elizabethans were bowled out on 157.

Captain Josh Banks was pleased with the success and praised Crudeli's efforts.

He said: "Nathan did really well with the bat. I sent him in above me and then we put a good partnership together.

"All I did was get him on strike and he smashed it all over the place. It was good to see and I had the best view in the house.

"Jujhar Johal also batted really well for 91 before that.

"We managed to get nearly 330 and that was a humongous score. Then it was just about getting the job done.

"They looked like they wanted to just bat it out for a draw but we bounced a few out and bowled a few and it was a good all-round team performance."

Stour will now welcome Handsworth to Amblecote this Saturday (noon start).

"We now have a big game against Handsworth and they can be a temperamental side and are very dangerous when they are up for it," added Banks.

"We need to stay focused but everyone is confidence at the moment. We have played half the season and are unbeaten so we fancy our chances against anyone."