SMETHWICK are on the brink of promotion after overcoming a scare against relegation-threatened Harborne.

Sep 9 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Mail

The league leaders need just a winning draw at Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday to secure a route into the Premier Division.

However, they almost had their hopes dented by struggling Harborne, who came close to securing an unlikely victory at Broomfield.

Smethwick opened the batting on a damp wicket and posted 173, with useful contributions from Aniket Redkar (38), Imran Youssuf (31) and Aqsad Ali (26).

And when Harborne reached 163 for eight, thanks to Shiv Sunder Das (89), it looked as though a shock result was on the cards.

However, a late wicket for Aurrol Kirnon (three for 38) and an unfortunate run-out left Harborne in despair.

One of Wellington or Dorridge will accompany Smethwick into the Premier Division and they could both make it if they win this weekend and Smethwick slip up.

Mickey Davidson’s unbeaten 47 saw Wellington to 166 all out against relegated Berkswell, but it was Mark Downes (eight for 27) who was the star, sending the visitors packing for 59 and back to Division Two at the first time of asking.

Abdul Hafeez (70) and David Ball (41) led Dorridge to 215 for six at Attock, who slumped to 111 all out in response.

Stratford’s outside chance of promotion faded as they went down to a 68-run defeat at West Bromwich Dartmouth. Junead Zaman took four for 32 as Dartmouth were dismissed for 159 but three wickets apiece for James Neesham, Ateeq Javid and Naheem Sajjad put paid to Stratford for 91.

Elsewhere, Halesowen struggled to 145 all out against Old Hill before the home side scraped to a one-wicket victory, despite Mo Ishtiaq’s five for 33.

Coventry & NW still require bonus points from their last match to ensure their safety after they responded to Shifnal’s 175 for nine with 150 for nine.

Michael Cook took four for 61 for Coventry, while Shifnal’s total was boosted by a late burst from James Kidson, who struck 38 not out from 39 balls.

Michael Balac scored 44 for Coventry but their victory attempt was thwarted by Jonathan Mountford (four for 43).