Birmingham League Division One - Harborne throw down gauntlet

May 7 2008

HARBORNE hammered out a warning to their Birmingham League Division One rivals when they beat Sutton Coldfield by 105 runs at a damp Rectory Park.

Put into bat, Harborne prospered through a second-wicket partnership between Darren Franklin, who made 67, and Simon Gear, who struck a further 60.

The pair laid the foundation for Harborne's 209 for nine and then had Sutton struggling in reply.

Mark Thompson took four for 13 from 7.3 overs as Sutton slumped to 104 all out.

Old Hill were equally impressive at Shrewsbury where they despatched the Shropshire side for 111.

Nathan Round, a close-season capture from champions Walsall, made an immediate impact with 56 not out , but was outgunned by Chris Hansberry, who hit an unbeaten 70.

Herefordshire's Paul Lazenbury plundered a further 45 as Old Hill posted 214 for three. Shrewsbury were skittled out for 103, Worcestershire pace prospect Richard Jones ripping out four for 31.

Australian opening batsman Brian May starred for Stratford as they snapped up a five-wicket win over Halesowen, who were removed for 149. May cracked an unbeaten 70 as Stratford reached 150 for five in the 49th over.

Richard Hewitt helped Cannock to a five-wicket win over Attock.

Sultan Mahmood made 49 in Attock's 155, but it wasn't enough as Cannock countered with 156 for five, Hewitt hitting 61.

Best batting performance of the day came from Omar Ali, who blitzed 115 for Bromsgrove in their drawn contest with Dorridge.

Imran Jamiel hit an impressive 81 with new recruit Stuart Eustace striking 63 in a Dorridge total of 247 for seven. Bromsgrove gave chase, but came up short on 233 for eight.

Warwickshire's Tim Groenewald claimed four for 30 as Coventry closed with a draw against Wellington. Steve Lamb struck 54 in Wellington's 160 for eight. Coventry were clinging to the draw in reply at 127 for eight after Adam Byram had taken five for 32.