Seething Stour still have a shot at final-day title glory

Josh Banks’s side could have wrapped up the Division Three title last Saturday but came out on the wrong side of a controversial top-of-the-table clash with rivals Rugby.

Stourbridge were dismissed for 112 in pursuit of the hosts’ 116 but were left angered after the playing surface was damaged while the covers were being pulled on and off following a rain break.

The matter was dealt with by the umpires with Stourbridge award five-penalty runs for a level two offence – which, under league rules, has also seen one of the Rugby players handed a three-game ban.

Stourbridge now go into tomorrow’s clash at home to Stratford six points behind Rugby, who head to Newport.

“We had a poor result against Pelsall the other week but I can swallow being beaten far and square. Last week doesn’t sit well with me at all,” said Banks.

“One individual has been given a three-match ban and we received five penalty runs, apparently that’s all it warranted.

“We will finish the season professionally. We will do it the way we have played all season. It’s a one-off game of cricket and I want to go out and win it,”

In the Premier Division, West Bromwich Dartmouth can seal a top three finish if they beat Moseley at home while Division One champions Kidderminster will be looking to end a fine season on a high when head for a derby-day tussle with Bromsgrove.

C&R Hawks are second in Division Two but have been told they won’t secure a place in next year’s revamped league due to issues with their ground.

Premier: Berkswell v Wolverhampton; Dorridge v K&D; Ombersley v Kenilworth; Smethwick v Shrewsbury; Walsall v Barnt Green; W.B.Dartmouth v Moseley.

First Division: Brockhampton v Bridgnorth; Bromsgrove v Kidderminster; Halesowen v Himley; Tamworth v Wellington; Leamington v Oswestry; Shifnal v Barnards Green.

Second Division: Astwood Bank v Coventry NW; Attock v Streetly; C&R Hawks v Wombourne; Fordhouses v Walmley; Harborne v Pershore; Sutton v Penkridge.

Third Division: Handsworth v Whitchurch; Milford v Pelsall; Newport v Rugby; Old Eliz v Lichfield; Old Hill v Redditch; Stourbridge v Stratford.