Express & Star

Walsall off to winning start

Walsall launched their season with a comprehensive victory in the Birmingham League’s Graham Williamson Trophy.

Published

The Gorway men eased to a seven-wicket success at Ombersley to book their place in the next round of the competition.

An impressive bowling display from the Walsall attack saw the hosts rolled over for 139.

Staffordshire spinner Paul Byrne and Jordan Bulpitt shared top billing with the ball for Walsall.

Byrne returned fine figures of 3-16 from his eight overs while Bulpitt bagged 3-20. Samuel Mills provided support with 2-30. Worcesteshire’s Josh Dell top scored with 40 for Ombersley.

Skipper Danny Cox then led Walsall to victory with a patient unbeaten 46. Bruce Thomason (32 not out) was with Cox at the end as the duo shared an unbroken 52-run fourth-wicket stand.

Walsall will face the Worcestershire Academy, who won a dramatic bowl off against Shrewsbury, in the next round on Sunday, May 5 (12.30pm).

Wolverhampton suffered a 39-run defeat away to Barnt Green.

Andrew Sutton struck a fine 102 from 86 balls to help the hosts to 241-9 from their 40 overs.

Aaron Patel and Amritpal Singh were the pick of the Wolverhampton attack with figure of 3-33 and 3-31 respectively.

The duo also shone with the bat as Wolves fell short. Opener Singh made 45 while Patel, batting at number nine, was unbeaten on 43 as the visitors closed on 202-9.

Smethwick also tasted defeat in their clash at Shifnal.

Shropshire skipper Steve Leach was in the runs for Shifnal with 77 at the top of the order. Chad Brandrick chipped with 39 to help the home side to 238-8.

That total proved beyond Smethwick as they finished on 200-9.

Amrinder Brar was left unbeaten on 72 while Abbas Shah made 46. Brandrick and Jack Twigger both picked up three wickets for Shifnal.

West Bromwich Dartmouth were swept aside by fellow top flight side Knowle & Dorridge.

Riskesh Patel amde 42 and Rawlston Tappin 31 as Dartmouth were dismissed for 160, Mike Brown bagging 4-34.

K&D then powered their way to a 10-wicket success in 22 overs with William Rigg making 82 and Alex Phillips 59.

Second round draw: Kenilworth Ward v Shifnal; Walsall v Worcestershire Acd; Barnt Green v Knowle & Dorridge; Dorridge v Warwickshire Acd. Ties to be played, Sunday, May 5.