Birmingham and District Premier Division: Barnt Green go to top of the table
DOUGIE Brown’s Barnt Green clawed their way to the top of the table thanks to a 48-run victory over hosts Wellington.
But Knowle & Dorridge are hot on their heels following their narrow two-wicket win at Himley.
Brown was star turn for the new league leaders, top-scoring with 42 to help the visitors to 142 before taking four for 21 as Wellington were dismissed well short of their target.
Andy Sutton (four for 33) was also among the wickets as Mick Davidson (41) and Mark Downes (31) were the only players to hit double figures.
It was a particularly frustrating day for Downes as the Wellington skipper had earlier returned five for 47.
There were just ten balls to spare as K&D inched past Himley. The home side had posted 200 for nine from their 55 overs, captain Greg Wright (44) top-scoring. But it was Cobus Pienaar’s 44 for the visitors that helped them take the honours.
Basement boys Wolverhampton pulled off the shock of the day as they romped to a six-wicket victory against previous leaders Shrewsbury.
Worcestershire starlet Aneesh Kapil took four for 15 as the visitors were dismissed for 134. The 16-year-old then starred with the bat, hitting 38 alongside David Manning (60) as the Black Country outfit breezed to their first win of the season.
A brilliant knock of 145 from Walsall opener Jack Manuel helped his side to a resounding 172-run victory at Kenilworth Wardens. Paul Baker (78) was also among the runs while the spin of Paul Byrne (five for 29) helped send the hosts back to the pavilion for just 121.
Greg Ricketts’ seven for 43 helped Walmley to a six-wicket win at Moseley, Mo Usman’s unbeaten 65 also piling on the misery for the home side.
And Kidderminster Victoria recorded a six-wicket win over Smethwick, Matt Pardoe (65 not out) top-scoring.
