Nathan Howell racks up the runs - and miles

Beacon skipper Matthew Tonks led by example with four wickets, while Josh Henry and Oliver Green grabbed a brace apiece as well, as the hosts finished 230 all out.

Not an easy target to reach, but the visitors ended on 232-5 after 41.4 overs.

It was thanks to some superb batting – especially from Howell, who bludgeoned 94 runs, including 17 boundaries, from just 54 balls.

The five-wicket win means Beacon remain second in the Premier Division and Tonks was pleased considering they had to play a fair portion of the game with 10 men.

Tonks said: "Nathan Howell actually drove to Whittington CC in Oswestry, before realising he was absolutely miles away from where we were.

"He missed the first 18 overs so we had to field with 10 men. He did probably a 150-mile round trip, had to pay a toll fee along the way but, luckily, he got us a few runs to make up for it.

"I'm very pleased with the performance as a whole, Whittington have been a bit hit and miss but they have some strong batters so we did well."

On the push for top spot, Tonks added: "I know it's boring to say but we will take each game as it comes."

Beacon are firmly in a three-horse race for top spot, but did not gain any ground as leaders Milford Hall and chasing Cannock were both victorious.

Qamar Abbas starred with the ball once again for Milford, picking up three wickets along with James Davis as Hammerwich were dismissed for 156.

In their reply, Haydn Slodecki hit 52 with Zaheer Suliman ending 41 not out as Milford won by five wickets.

South African Brian Barnard was excellent with the bat once again for Cannock, smashing 116 runs in the victory at Aldridge.

The home side went the full 50 overs at the crease, finishing 225-9, but Barnard's century and Will Fleet's 87 was enough for the visitors to triumph.

At the other end of the league table, Bloxwich are still bottom following a seven-wicket loss to Penn.

One place above them are Wednesbury, who were unable to chase a 311 target against Pelsall.

Walsall YPF distanced themselves from the bottom two with a one-run win at Swindon. YPF ended on 305-9 and Swindon fell short on 304-7.