Express & Star

Vics' unbeaten record taken by Dartmouth

Kidderminster Victoria's unbeaten start the new Birmingham & District League Premier Division season was halted by West Bromwich Dartmouth.

Published

Reigning champions Dartmouth travelled to Chester Road to take on the division's early pace-setters.

They came away with a thumping 205-run victory. Skipper Kadir Ali maintained his impressive early season form after opening with 89.

He was aided by Brinder Phagura (116) and Samid Bhatti (67) as Dartmouth piled up 318-7 from their 55 overs.

Faced with a daunting target to preserve their 100 per cent record, Kidderminster capitulated to 113 all out with Ali completing a fine all-round display with bowling figures of 4-33.

Botttom-of-the-table Wolverhampton endured another difficult weekend as they fell to defeat against Ombersley.

An impressive 87 from Alex Grant together with solid contributions from Tom Fell (37) and Matthew Kleindveldt (34) saw Wolverhampton close on 249-8.

Ombersley struggled to 105-4 but a fifth wicket stand of 146 between Uday Kaul (125 not out) and Ted Bayliss (71 not out) eased them over the line with four balls remaining.

In Division One, Smethwick and Walsall remain tied at the summit after picking up wins against Wellington and Harborne respectively.

Fordhouses' Chris Guest rues a chance against Worfield.

Skipper David Powles played the leading role for Walsall, hitting 12 fours and two sixes before he was run out for 92 from 82 balls.

He and Alex McChristie (36) put on 101 for the fifth wicket to see Walsall to 249 all out before Harborne collapsed to 88 all out.

It was a similar story at Smethwick where skipper Vikram Sodhi (102 not out) inspired his side to a seven wicket win in pursuit of Wellington's 229 all out, while Himley beat Oswestry.

Wasim Jaffer (88) and Bilal Hussein (61) spearheaded the Himley innings to see them finish on 221. In reply, Oswestry collapsed to 87 after being bowled out in just 25 overs.

In Division Two, Penkridge remain in a three-way tie for the lead after beating Eastnor who were bowled out for 165. Rana Hassan (61) top scored for Penkridge to see them to a three wicket victory.

Brewood and Stourbridge secured losing draws as they entertained Wombourne and Tamworth respectively.

In Division Three, early pace-setters Cannock & Rugeley Hawks went down to a five-wicket defeat at Worcester.

Pelsall secured a narrow win at Kings Heath. Daniel Roussow hit 43 in a Pelsall total of 175 before James Holmes took 5 for 43 to see Kings Heath off for 160.

Fordhouses claimed a 100-run win over Worfield . Opener Niall Cooper hit 59 as Fordhouses closed on 185. Chris Guest (4-22) then starred with the ball as Worfield were restricted to 85.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.