Halesowen'S fading promotion hopes were effectively extinguished for good after a 39 run defeat at Aston Manor.

It was the fourth defeat in five games for Wes Griffiths side and if they fail to get a positive result against Whitchurch this Saturday, they may have to start looking over their shoulders.

Though Hales sit sixth, they are just 27 points clear of the bottom two in a congested mid-table.

After winning the toss at Aston Manor, Griffiths elected to bowl first but for the second week running the opposing batsmen were not reading from the same script. Manor racked up 292-7 in 55 overs, thanks in large part to 117 from Kyle Schreuder.

Pick of the bowlers for Halesowen was Daniel Jeavons (3-70) and Jamie Woodhouse (2-37).

In reply, Halesowen began badly and Mohammad Shauib was dismissed for nought. AJ Weerappuli and Hassan Quami added 43 before the latter was dismissed and soon Hales were 85-4.

Enter overseas star Asif Khan, whose marvellous knock of 118 from 99 balls was ultimately in vain, as his side lost the final four wickets for 35 runs and were bowled out for 253.