Halesowen’s season was once again blighted by the weather in a tense affair at Sutton Coldfield. Having bowled the hosts for just 137 thanks to the efforts of Ross-Watt (4-48) and Rhodes (3-36) Halesowen came a little unstuck in their reply as they stuttered to 112-8 with 4 overs remaining when the rain came. Only Hassan Quami (23) and Jamie Harris (27) looked like building a meaningful innings as the Sutton bowlers created pressure on a difficult batting surface. The losing draw sees Halesowen placed at 8th in the table.

Richard Brooker Club Captain however once again lamented on a couple of key areas in the game ‘ Another excellent and improving performance and but for a couple of poor umpiring decisions in the middle of the game which brought Sutton back in to it we were well on top. When the rain came the game was in the balance and could have gone either way. Next week we are at Wombourne and looking to get stuck in.’

The second team were trounced at home by Himley in a low-scoring affair when chasing Himleys 108 all out Halesowen could only muster 88 on a surface that was enjoyed by the spinners on both sides. For Halesowen Hawker (5-27) Greening (2-35) and Bullock (2-27) all bowled with control on a worn surface whilst Himley offspinner Tom Rhodes retuned figures of 3-19. That said the application of the Halesowen chase led a lot to be desired as they sipped to the bottom of the table and have much to do to turn their season around.

In the Worcestershire League the 3rd Team were defeated by Bromsgrove in the rain at St Godwalds Park. Chasing a total of 232-8 only Scott Jones (41) and Nathan Hines (39) looked in any sort of form as the Halesowen reply closed on 157-6. Finally the 4th team were bundled out for 156 at Bredon with Matt Slater (42) the only real contribution and in reply Bredon knocked off the runs with 7 wickets in hand.

Next weekends fixtures

1st XI 12:00 start - (A) Wombourne CC - 1st XI
2nd XI 12:30 start - (H) Wolverhampton CC - 2nd XI - Seth Somers Park, Halesowen
3rd XI 13:00 start - (H) Tenbury CC – 3rd XI - Earls High School, Halesowen
4th XI 13:00 start - (A) Rushwick CC - 2nd XI