Second-placed Wolverhampton believe they face a second successive key test of their title challenging credentials at Danescourt this weekend.

Simon Lycett’s team squeezed by Kidderminster in the final over of a mini-classic a week ago and are now confronted by the hard-nosed hat-trick champions Walsall.

The captain said: “I can’t remember the last time we beat them. They have had the better of us for a long time.

“Walsall are a very tough side to play against – very competitive and it is going to be another big test for us.

“You know they are going to be there challenging at the finish of the season.”

Lycett has to change his line-up, with Jack Snape and Richard Howitt unavailable, so in comes the trusted Chris Lowe and 16-year-old left arm spinner Jack Biddulph.

But there is no doubt it is overseas star Sairaj Bahatule who is providing the added impetus behind the club’s title charge.

The two-wicket defeat of Kidderminster was clinched when ninth-wicket pair Bahatule and Chris Russell clipped the six runs off the final over required, to pass Kidderminster’s 176-8.

Bahatule knocked over the top five to claim figures of 5-41 and then came in with Kidderminster well on top, to steer his side home with an unbeaten 44.

Walsall skipper Paul Wicker is well aware of the threat posed by Bahatule and Russell.

He said: “Wolverhampton will be tougher than the last two games we’ve just won. They’ve started well.

“They might not have the depth of experience in this league but in their overseas player, they have a first-class cricketer.

“Their opening bowler, Russell was averaging nine last year and is averaging 12 this time, so we have to be on our guard.”