Himley skipper Greg Wright has pinpointed the return of Tim Heap as the key to their title ambitions.

The Stourbridge Road side have reeled off three successive victories – two of them without Heap – to climb into the premier division top three.

But Wright, who is expecting a wide open race for glory, is adamant they will not be able to sustain a challenge without the services of the proven league performer.

Heap is currently sidelined with a groin injury, but his value to the side has been highlighted by his performances to date, in what has been a stop start season for the former Staffordshire seamer.

The captain said: “I think the race for the title is going to be wide open this season.

“We are in a better position at this stage of the season than we were in the last few years when we have challenged for the title.

“But if we are going to mount a challenge we need Tim back.

“We have been bowling well and we have played some good cricket in the last few weeks, but I don’t think we could sustain a challenge without Tim.

“He has picked up 13 wickets in three games for us this season. He is a proven performer and he gets good players out.

“That gives everyone a huge lift.”

Himley go gunning for a fourth straight win when they entertain Walmley on Saturday.