Halesowen second XI spent a frustrating day at Bridgnorth, pushing covers on and off and eventually coming away with a winning draw.
Batting first after winning the toss, Halesowen got off to a good start thanks to the ever dependable Charlie Tromans (32) and Martin Harvey (58) providing the foundation.
But Andrew Leather then took four wickets in seven balls to torpedo the middle order and only solid contributions from Joe Tromans (32) and George Hill (20) helped push the score on to 198 all out.
Bridgnorth set off in pursuit of the victory target of 199, or more realistically the winning draw score of 135, knowing their opening batsman Glenn Edwards would struggle to take the field as he had badly sprained his knee.
George Hill and Jamie Woodhouse made early breakthroughs for Hales and the introduction of the veteran off spinner Richard Cox (3-7) saw wickets fall at regular intervals.
Bridgnorth finished on 117-9 with Edwards virtually carried to the wicket to face the last three deliveries of the innings.
Skipper Steve Baker said: “This was another good performance in trying circumstances where everyone played their part. It was particularly pleasing to see Joe Tromans and George Hill battle so hard.”
Halesowen thirds had a disappointing first trip to Cleobury Mortimer as they were beaten by six wickets.
The home side won the toss and elected to field in favourable conditions. Jack Windsor (64) showed a welcome return to form and Aaron Kisiel (33) continued his good contributions but they were the only bright spots in an innings where no other batsmen reached 20.
Halesowen posted a not so daunting 206-9 in 50 overs.
Ben Griffiths was the home side’s star bowler with 4-52 and he followed it up with 101 not out as his side eased to victory with more than 12 overs left.
Chris Jones (2-65) and Rob Reed (2-38) were the wicket takers as Halesowen toiled in vain.
Halesowen fourths hosted Cleobury at the Earls High School in the other half of the double header and proceeded to dominate the visitors from start to finish.
Batting first after winning the toss, Halesowen posted a competitive 249-5 in 45 overs. Scott Jones (39), Adrian Bullock (26) and John Aston (20) were key contributors but the mainstay was Kester Moseley who smashed 105.
After tea, Sarfraz Zahoor (6-42) finally showed the kind of form he has been threatening all season since his return to the club as he helped dismiss Cleobury for just 127 and send Halesowen home with 24 points.
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