Aqil Ahmed led by example as Cannock & Rugeley piled up the runs in their winning draw gainst Hammerwich.

The skipper plundered a superb unbeaten 144, sharing a 250-run stand with Mark Humphries in the process.

Humphries was 115 not out as C&R made the most of a good batting pitch to post a daunting 277-1.

A spirited bowling effort gave Ahmed’s men a sniff of victory before Hammerwich closed out on 190-8.

Captain Ahmed said: “It was a good batting pitch and we made the most of it. It was just a shame we couldn’t grab those last two Hammerwich wickets.”

Adam Birch took the honours for the ball, swapping pace for spin to bag three victims.

Ahmed said: “Adam is a useful player to have. He normally bowls pace and did that for his first seven overs, but he can also bowl some useful spin.

“The wicket was dry and I asked him to turn to spin and he responded by taking three wickets.”

C&R have home advantage again this weekend when they entertain Springvale.

Mike Dodunski starred with the ball, as Beacon claimed a winning draw against Penkridge.

Craig Jones’ men looked in trouble when they were bowled out for 162 – Matthew Tonks top scoring with 40.

But they benefited from the game being reduced to a 35-over contest and as Penkridge chased the runs the wickets began to fall.

Dodunksi took four wickets and Ben Robinson three as Penkridge finished with 86-8 – enough to earn Beacon a winning draw.

Jones said: “The rain really helped us out to be honest. We are struggling a bit with the bat at the moment.

“The bowling is as good as anything in the league.

“But we are not putting the runs on the board. At the beginning of the season we were at the top but we have fallen by the wayside a bit of late.

“I still feel there’s plenty more to come from us.”

Jason Swan returns for this weekend’s visit of fourth-placed Aldridge.