OSWESTRY’S promotion bid lay in tatters on Saturday evening after a crushing defeat against rivals Brewood in Division Three of the Birmingham Cricket League.
Mark Robinson’s side, so impressive in recent weeks, were bowled out for just 76 and lost by eight wickets to a side who now look sure to take the title.
Oswestry had no answer to the Brewood attack of Dave Wedge and Chris Guest, and wickets fell at regular intervals.
Batsmen 6-10 failed to score a run between them as Wedge picked up 7-29 on a pitch which favoured the bowlers from the start.
Only Robbie Clarke showed any resistance with an unbeaten 32, with Alex Huxley (18) the one other player to reach double figures.
Brewood raced to 80-2 in their reply, leaving Oswestry without a point - and with third place the best they can hope for.
A superb maiden century by Dominic Bright led Oswestry Seconds to a winning draw at Brewood - a result that leaves them needing 13 points from this Saturday’s home game with bottom club Sutton Coldfield to take their league title.
Bright hit 112 as Oswestry ran up 284-5, with Nick Williams adding 69, Owen Johnson 43no and Peter Holloway 28.
Brewood made little effort to reach their target, and finished on 167-4, all four wickets falling to Ben Parker-Marshall at a personal cost of 38.
Adam Woodcock was another centurion for Oswestry, as his 102 helped Oswestry Thirds to a comfortable victory over Harcourt at Oswestry School.
Oswestry reached 207-7 in their 44 overs, with Richard Jones unbeaten on 28.
Harcourt were bowled out for just 88 in reply, with Woodcock taking 3-17 and Max Payne 3-22.
Oswestry Fourths fared even worse than the First XI, and were bowled out for just 55 at Allscott Thirds. Callum Morris top-scored with 16.
Allscott then made 56-2 in a game that was completed within 27 overs.
Oswestry Firsts complete their season with a trip to Sutton Coldfield on Saturday, with the Seconds playing their title decider against Sutton Coldfield at Morda Road (12.30pm).
The Thirds are away to Grove in a top-of-the-table clash, while the Fourths play Madeley Thirds at Oswestry School.