Leaders Knowle & Dorridge find bandwagon tipped up by Himley

Jun 1 2009 Birmingham Mail

HIMLEY handed table-topping Knowle & Dorridge a rare taste of defeat with a surprise 11-run success at Station Road.

One-time Worcestershire prospect Nitesh Patel scored 77 as Himley posted a total of 230 for nine. In reply, former Warwickshire all-rounder Nick James struck 58 but it wasn’t enough; Tim Heap and Shaffy Ahmed both collected four wickets as K&D were dismissed for 219.

Second-placed Moseley were unable to take advantage, coming unstuck against Kenilworth Wardens.

Moseley could only manage a miserable 86 all out as experienced paceman James Jordan bagged four for 25.

Eian Marillier then hit a half-century as Wardens cantered to an eight-wicket win.

Champions Walsall suffered a three-wicket reverse against Barnt Green who squeezed home with a ball to spare.

Former Bears favourite Mo Sheikh struck 74 and found support from Jack Shantry (53) as Walsall reached 257 for five.

Danny Shilvock struck a sublime 104 not out in reply with Nathan Newport adding 60.

They took the Green to 261 for seven despite the efforts of off-spinner Andy Gray, who took four for 68.

Walmley recovered from an early collapse to post 233 for eight against Leamington Spa. Chris Booth turned matters round with a boundary-laden 61 and found support from Tariq Mohammed (53) and Usman (48).

Richard Swann smashed 77 in reply and, together with opening partner Alex Phillips, provided an opening stand of 103 for the Spa side.

Mark Lewis finished Walmley off with an unbeaten 66 as Leamington reached 234 for three.

Bromsgrove remain bottom after a 99-run beating by Wolverhampton.

Chasing 229 for four, Bromsgrove were bowled out for 130, Staffordshire seamer Jack Snape snapping up five wickets.

Elsewhere, Craig Wood cracked an impressive 87 as Kidderminster Victoria recorded a five-wicket win over Shrewsbury to go third.