In-form Beacon bowler Jason Swann took his tally of wickets to 16 in his last three matches as he thrived in damp conditions in an eight-wicket thrashing of Bloxwich.

Swann took the final five wickets after a rain break as the home side were dismissed for 61. New Zealander Mike Dodunski had done the early damage, taking the first five wickets before.

Andy Green, who hit an unbeaten 40, and Dodunski then guided their side to victory for the loss of two wickets.

Skipper Craig Jones said: “We won the toss and stuck them in on what was a pretty dodgy wicket – not because it wasn’t prepared but because it was very damp.

“It worked because our opening bowlers, who are in really good form, bowled very well.

“Mike Dodunski took five wickets, we went off for rain, then Jason Swann took the next five, so it was a strange scorecard really.

“We lost a couple of cheap wickets early when myself and Roger Filds were out for ducks. We were thinking we might be in trouble ourselves but Andy Green and Mike produced.”

Brewood captain Chris Guest has warned Staffs Clubs leaders Milford Hall they are “breathing down their necks” following a 133-run win over Cannock & Rugeley.

Guest’s side are now in second 20 points adrift.

Overseas star Keir Bettley top-scored with 71, Nick Southall hit 55 and Guest knocked a quickfire 51 as Brewood reached 220 off 40 overs in the rain-hit clash.

Guest followed with 4-36 and Dave Wedge took 2-4 as Cannock were bowled out for 87 off just 25 overs.

Guest said: “They were up there in third before the game, so it was a good win.”

The Brewood skipper believes his team will be there to take advantage of any slip by the leaders.

He added: “Hopefully, if they make a mistake, we’ll be there to jump in.

“We’ve said all along we want to be right up there at the end of the season. We just need to keep playing the cricket we have.

“If we do and they make a mistake, then hopefully we’ll be breathing down their necks.”

Rob Brewer will be missing against Springvale on Saturday but Mike Southall returns.