Staffs Clubs: Late blast sees leaders win thriller to stay perfect

Wicketkeeper Daniel Lynskey came to the rescue to keep runaway leaders Fordhouses perfect in the South Staffs Cricket League.

The Premier Division’s top dogs were staring down the barrel of a first setback of the season when they slumped to 96-7, chasing 159 to beat Wombourne.

But Lynskey then smashed an unbeaten 49 from just 35 balls to send his side flying over the line and into a 44-point lead at the summit.

Lewis Peat and Mubeen Rashid had earlier taken four wickets each as the visitors had collapsed from 141-5 to 158 all out.

It still looked like being enough when Charlie Walker and Ben Hudson combined to tear through the Fordhouses top order.

Rashid (43) and Saqid Akbar (37) offered some resistance but when both departed in quick success the momentum seemed to favour Wombourne before Lynskey’s blast snatched the game away.

Walsall are the closest challengers, albeit already some way back after an impressive six-wicket win over Hammerwich.

Mohammed Yousuf starred with the ball, taking 4-47 as the visiting team were rolled over for just 122.

Opener Kavijan Kanji then top scored with 31 for Walsall and though Hasnain Nawaz kept battling for Hammerwich, taking three wickets, the total never looked like being defended.

Beacon are also in the mix to be best of the rest after blowing away Brewood.

Skipper Dan Green starred with the ball, taking four wickets, while Jake Cartwright finished with figures of 3-10 as the home side were skittled for just 67. Dallas Kelso (25), was one of only two players to make it into double figures.

Beacon breezed home for the loss of just two wickets in less than 17 overs.

The win saw them move above Penkridge and into third after the latter’s pursuit of victory was thwarted at Wolverhampton seconds by the weather.

Alan Lones top scored with 74, while Jack Pope (66 not out) and Ross Parker (64) also struck half centuries before the visitors declared on 298-4 after 45 overs.

Yet they could not beat the rain or some stubborn Wolverhampton batting. Dean Lones and William Marsh took two wickets each before the match was halted with the home side on 93-6 meaning Penkridge had to settle for a winning draw.

Pelsall are closing in on the top half after a five-wicket win at Old Wulfrunians Tettenhall.

Teenager Gurshan Singh took 4-12, while Jamie Bye also chipped in with three wickets as the home side were bowled out for just 111.

Two quick wickets from Pargat Singh made the chase more interesting than it might have been before Ahsan Akbar (29 not out) and Jack Portsmouth (21 not out) eased Pelsall over the line.

Cannock took eight points from a losing draw at Tamworth.

John Cooke took four wickets but an unbeaten 98 from opener Seyaam Khan helped the home side reach 199-6.

Cannock then slumped to 93-7 in reply before an unbeaten 53 from Ben Lockley at least ensured they avoided defeat as they finished on 164-8.