As we approach the halfway stage of the season there remains plenty to play for across the board with only Netherton 1^st XI & 2^nd XIs in Division Two and Three seemingly dominating their divisions. Al other divisions can be described as tight at both top and bottom which bodes well for some exciting matches to come.

In the Premier Division Josh Banks (73) played a captains innings and Dominic O’Reilly (63 & 5-32) showed his class with both bat and ball to help Stourbridge 1^st XI gain a maximum twenty four point win against Old Elizabethans 1^st XI at the War Memorial Ground, a result that helped them go back to the summit by just two points after last weeks leaders Stourport-on-Severn 1^st XI chose to chase against Astwood Bank 1^st XI at Sambourne Lane which they did with ease as Oliver Uffindall (6-20) in the first innings and captain Charlie Foley (103*) in the second innings proved the main protagonists in an eight wicket,  twenty point win. Third placed Pershore 1^st XI kept up with the pace setters by earning a maximum point winning draw against Worcester Nomads 1^st XI who failed to get near the first innings total set as Chris Ellison (4-24) continued his excellent early season form with the ball to strangle the home team who finished eight down in the second innings at Whitegates Farm.

The top three are now fifty seven points if the fourth paced team Lye 1^st XI for who Zeeshan Ahmed (106) starred with the bat in the first innings of a maximum points win against last weeks fourth placed Redditch 1^st XI who slipped to fifth. Bromsgrove 1^st XI moved in to mid division and look as though they are beginning to piece things together after they made up for last weeks abandoned game with a comprehensive maximum points win thanks largely to Liam Ridngs (128) and Alex Milton (76) who helped set a total well out of reach of a Bromyard 1^st XI side who need to find form quickly as they are now more than a win adrift at the foot of the table and last but not least, Pedmore 1^st XI secured a winning draw in a high scoring match that saw Brockhampton 1^st  XI finish the second innings eight wickets down just eighteen runs short of the first inning target thanks largely to Tom Skerrett (92) who just fell shy of a second innings century for the visitors in what looks to have been an evenly contested match throughout.at Pedmore Hall Lane.

The top six in Division One are separated by just thirty points in Division One as results ion Saturday had the effect of brining teams closer together.

Last weeks leaders Worcester 1^st XI made the trip to Cherry Hill Road to face Barnt Green 2^nd XI and lost by a forty seven run margin a result that gave Ombersley 2^nd XI the chance to go top which they took by securing a winning draw against Burghill, Tillington & Weobley 1^st XI who bravely clung on for dear life in the second innings to finish eight wickets down, thirty three runs short of the first innings target. Halesowen 2^nd XI also benefitted from these top of the table clashes when they earned a maximum twenty four point win against Bartestree & Lugwardine 1^st XI who failed to get anywhere near the first innings target set largely thanks to Ali Rashid (99) who was unfortunately run out trying to seal the run that would have taken him to three figures.

Elsewhere in the division, Droitwich Spa 1^st XI moved in to fifth place just eighteen points of top by beating Coombs Wood 1^st XI by five wickets at Stewarts Road. Hassam Munir (5-46) and Adil Mirza (4-46) shared nine first innings wickets in a Chaddesley Corbett 1^st XI win against Hagley 1^st XI who now find themselves in mid division and Himley 2^nd XI  secured an important seven wicket maximum point win against Bewdley 1^st XI which means the bottom five are separated by just eleven points in a division that looks as though it will be competitive at both ends. right the way through to the end of the season.  

In Division Two, Royeth Hussain (113) showed the way with the bat in the first innings and Hussain Tapia (5-37) did the rest in the second innings against Bromsgrove 2^nd XI as Netherton 1^st XI marched to what now looks like being an unassailable sixty three point lead at the summit as last weeks second placed Barnards Green 2^nd XI slipped to fourth place after being humbled by Kidderminster 2^nd XI who climbed to second after Ben Jones (6-31) returned excellent second innings figures to ensure their first innings target was never under threat. Colwall 1^st XI continued their good form by beating Alvechurch & Hopwood 1st XI by a thirty run margin and now find themselves in third place, just eight points off the promotion places. 

Elsewhere in the division, Belbroughton 1^st XI beat Astwood Bank 2^nd XI to advance to seventh, Oldswinford 1^st XI earned an important win against Bredon 1^st XI on the road and Enville 1^st XI secured a winning draw against Cookley 1^st XI which means the bottom five are covered by just thirty eight points with plenty still to play for.

Noman Waqaar (197*) put Martley 1^st XI to the sword at the Jewry Field as the home side found no answer to his stroke-play in the first innings which enabled leaders Netherton 2^nd XI to secure a maximum point win to further extend their lead at the top od Division Three to forty six points as last weeks second placed outfit Lye 2^nd XI were held to a winning draw at Walshes Farm Meadows against Stourport-on- Severn 2^nd XI in a match that was dominated by the bat as Muhammad Rasheed (111*) posted a first innings century for Lye and Mark Bagley (115*) answered in the second innings for the home team. Harborne 3^rd XI took advantage of the Lye result as Haaris Hussain (5-10) returned excellent first innings figures to restrict Old Elizabethans 2^nd XI to a low total at the Memorial Ground which they had no problem in passing to secure a maximum point win and leapfrog Lye in to second in the process.

In other matches in the division, Himbleton 1^st XI moved in to fifth place after recording a seven wicket win against Redditch 2^nd XI who remain bottom in need of a win, Brockhampton 2^nd XI ended Rushwick 1^st XIs recent good form by securing a thirty four run home win against them at the Parks and Feckenham 1^st XI recorded and important win against Avoncroft 1^st XI at Mill Lane which now means just thirty two points separates Old Elizabethans 2^nd XI in fourth place and Stourport-on-Severn 2^nd XI in eleventh.   

Division Four is also proving competitive as last weeks leaders Hagley 2^nd XI suffered what could only be described as an unexpected loss at the hands of second from bottom Five Ways Old Edwardians 1^st XI for whom Abid Khan (106)  enjoyed a good day with the bat. This result gave opportunity to other teams around them to capitalise which both Droitwich Spa 2^nd XI and Worcester Nomads 2^nd XI did by respectively recording wins against Claverley 1^st XI by nine wickets at St. Peters Field and narrowly overcoming Old Vigornians 1^st XI at the Cinderella Ground by one wicket in a match that saw Ben Green (5-60) return excellent first innings figures for the Nomads and Monty Jelfs (6-32)  finish on the losing side despite his best efforts in the second innings.

West Malvern 1^st XI occupy fourth place just eleven points behind Hagley 2^nd XI after recording a winning draw against Old Hill 2^nd XI at Haden Hill. Romsley & Hunnington 1^st XI are a further win behind in fifth place after recording a twenty two runs win against Harborne 4^th XI and Worcester 2^nd XI are in mid division after beating basement side Stourbridge 2^nd XI by a comfortable seven wicket margin at Norton Barracks.

In the win/lose divisions, Tajamal Usman (7-30) destroyed second placed Pershore 2^nd XI in the first innings to help Coombs Wood 2^nd XI post an easy nine wicket win which helped leaders Tenbury Wells 1^st XI open up a thirty one point lead at the top of Division Five after Alfie Watts (5-18) returned excellent first innings figures that helped restrict Bewdley 2^nd XI to a score which was passed for the loss of six wickets. Malvern 1^st XI took full advantage of Pershore 2^nd XIs result by narrowly holding off Hanley Castle & Upton 1^st XI by three runs in a nail biter at the Ramblers Ground to move into the promotion places by just one point.

In other matches in the division, Andy Williams (111) scored a first innings century for Astwood Bank 3^rd XI in a fifty run win against Pedmore 2^nd XI. Bromyard 2^nd XI beat Barnt Green 3^rd XI by five wickets at Flaggoners Green and Stourbridge 3^rd XI received a concession win against Eastnor 1^st XI which helped them move out pf the relegation zone.

In Division Six, Jake Harris (94*) top scored for Harvington 1^st XI who made the trip to play leaders Himley 3^rd XI and walked away with a thirty four run win which helped them to close the gap in third place to just four points with Halesowen 3^rd XI in second place one point ahead after Lewis Bust (137*) helped the visitors set a first innings target that proved way too many for Kidderminster 3^rd XI to chase after Callum James (5-21)  had returned excellent second innings figures at Chester Road.

The top three are now twenty one points ahead of fourth placed Colwall 2^nd XI who beat Chaddesley Cornett 2^nd XI by six wickets at Longmore. Alveley 1^st are next, two points adrift after beating Bromsgrove 3^rd XI by the same margin despite the best efforts of Mark Burrell (134) who batted excellently for the visitors in the first innings. Faisal Khalid (100*) scored an undefeated first innings century for Cutnall Green 1^st XI who remain dark horses for promotion in a comprehensive win against Belbroughton 2^nd XI at Addis Lane and Haris Atiq (90) top scored for Claverley 2^nd XI in a comfortable win against bottom of the table Old Vigornians 2^nd XI at Sandford Park.

In the Regional Divisions, Pete Alexander (165*) and Zac Smith (105) led leaders Cookhill 1^st XI to a comfortable win against neighbours Feckenham 2^nd XI to maintain their position at the top of Division Seven (North). Old Elizabethans 3^rd XI maintained second position, thirty three points adrift after beating Enville 2^nd XI in a tight match at Enville Hall by one wicket. Twenty two points further back are Stone 1^st XI who lost ground by losing to Oldswinford 2^nd XI for whom Matthew Wall (93*) ended unbeaten seven short of a second innings century after Chris Harler (116*) had posted an undefeated century in the first innings for the visitors.

Elsewhere in the division, Alvechurch & Hopwood 2^nd XI moved in to fourth place by beating Harborne 5^th XI by a wide margin. Harry Annable (4-&) helped Ombersley 3^rd XI bowl Pedmore 3^rd XI out cheaply in the second innings to record their fourth win of the season and Romsley & Huntington 2^nd XI returned a fifty two run win against Himley 4^th XI who sit just above the relegation zone.

In Division Seven (South), Worcester Amigos 1^st XI stamped their authority on proceedings with a comprehensive win against Bartestree & Lugwardine 2^nd XI at Plovers Rise to stay two points clear with a game in hand over Ledbury 1^st XI who won a big game against Canon Frome 1^st XI who slipped to fifth as a result. Burghill, Tillington & Weobley 2^nd XI beat Worcester 3^rd XI by three wickets at the Bottom Pitch at Norton Barracks to go third, eight points clear of Rushwick 2^nd XI for whom captain James Casey (66*) helped post too many for Martley 2^nd XI to chase in the second innings, whilst in the other match played Anthony Eyles (6-41) and Callum Moris (4-45) shared all ten first innings wicket between them in a comprehensive ten wicket win for Barnards Green 3^rd XI against Pershore 3^rd XI who were top two weeks ago but after losing two in two now find themselves in seventh position.   

In the ten team Regional Division Eight groups, Lye 3^rd XI joined Netherton 3^rd XI at the top of the North Group after recording a tight two wicket win against them at Longmore Second Ground. Harborne 3^rd XI sit in third place seventeen points behind the top two after recording a comfortable 8 wicket win against Oldswinford 3^rd XI. Enville 3^rd XI are in fourth after beating Pedmore 3^rd XI by four wickets, Coombs Wood 2^nd XI are next after recording their third win of the season against Old Hill 3^rd XI and Stourbridge 4^th XI beat Halesowen 5^th XI to pull further away from the relegation zone at the bottom of the table.

Himbleton 2^nd XI continue to lead the East Group after posting an eight wicket win against Bredon 2^nd XI at Harrow Lane. Redditch Entaco 3^rd XI eased themselves into second place after Kevin Lokenath (142*) helped them post over three hundred in the first innings which proved too many for last week second placed Droitwich Spa 4^th XI to chase. Inkberrow 1^st XI took the opportunity to close the gap and join Droitwich Spa in joint third when they bowled out Pershore 4t XI cheaply in the second innings. Whilst elsewhere in the group, Murray Williams (6-24) helped Avoncroft 2^nd XIs keep their hopes alive with an excellent second innings return which helped secure the win against Astwood Bank 4^th XI and Harvington 2^nd XI beat Five Ways Old Edwardians 2^nd by five wickets to help them start looking upwards rather than downwards.

Its tight at the top of the South Group as four teams are separated by just twenty three points after Hallow Taverners 1^st XI, despite the best efforts of Lee Shuck (114) suffered their first defeat of the season against Malvern 2^nd XI for whom Tom Fairclough (125 & 6-41) will not have too many better days. This defeat helped Fownhope Strollers 1^st XI close the gap to just five points after first innings contributions Richard Lerego (114*), Keiron Terry (103) and Ethan Lerego (76*) ensured visiting Bosbury 1^st XI never really got in the hunt and third placed Brockhampton 3^rd XI close the gap to seven points in third after Robin Holgate (88) posted yet another regulation half century at the top of the order in their fifty two run win against West Malvern 2^nd XI.

In other matches in the group, Gregory Fincher (184*) helped Worcester Nomads 3^rd XI close the gap to Eastnor 2^nd XI in fifth and Matthew Watts (7-27) took seven first innings wickets for Colwall 3^rd XI in their seven wicket win against bottom of the table Old Elizabethans 4^th XI.   

In the West Group, Tom Hodgson (187) ensured Droitwich Spa 3^rd XI kept a blistering pace at the top after his first innings contribution helped set up a comprehensive win against Cookley 2^nd XI. Second placed sit ahead of the chaser, thirty one points adrift after Richard Twigg (87) helped is team over the line against Highley 1^st XI by just one wicket. Dec Bibb (97) set up a comfortable win for Stourport-on- Severn 3^rd XI against Old Halesonians 1^st XI whose form has dipped recently. Hagley 3^rd XI come next despite being Tenbury Wells 2^nd XIs first victims of the season as Jez Stokes (5-11) set up a three wicket win with impressive bowling In the first innings at Penlu and Bewdley 3^rd XI beat Kidderminster 4^th XI by eighty four runs at Moffett’s School. 

Neil Shuttleworth (5-17) helped Cookhill 2^nd XI continue to lead the way In Regional Division Nine North Group after his first innings exploits set up their sixth win of the season against Belbroughton 3^rd XI. Himley 5^th XI are just one point behind after bowling Hagley 4^th XI out cheaply in the second innings to record the win which keeps the top two thirty one points ahead of Avoncroft 3^rd XI who recorded a ten wicket win against Five Ways Old Edwardians 2^nd thanks to a one hundred and sixty two opening stand between Damian Hampton (80*) and Phil Seers (77*) whilst in the other games played Oldswinford 4^th XI beat Pedmore 4^th XI by sixty runs and  Redditch Entaco 4^th XI were awarded a concession win against Feckenham 3rd XI who failed to raise a team.

Hanley Castle & Upton 2^nd XI are the new leaders of Division Nine South Group after recording an eight wicket win against Barnards Green 4^th XI whilst last weeks leaders Ledbury 2^nd XI were losing at Bromyard 3^rd XI thanks to an undefeated second innings century from captain Jacques Brunsdon (101*). Rushwick 3^rd XI lost ground on the leaders after Tim Price (101) helped Droitwich Spa 5^th XI to post a total that proved far too many to chase and finally Malvern 3^rd XI received a win by concession when Brockhampton 4^th XI failed to raise a team.

Jack Lewis (80*) and Sam Griffiths (55*) posted a one hundred and forty eight run second innings opening stand to ensure Goodrich 1^st XI maintained their four point lead at the top of the Marches Division One with a ten wicket win against bottom side Dales 1^st XI. Builth Wells 1^st XI kept up with the pace setters and cemented second position with a seven wicket win against Kington 1^st XI. Tom Cutler (5-12) helped Wormelow 1^st XI get back to winning ways as his second innings return put paid to any challenge from Ross-on-Wye 1^st XI and fourth placed Garnons 1^st XI kept themselves in the hunt with a twenty nine run win away against Woolhope 1^st XI.   

Gareth Grant (222) struck 26 x 4’s and 10 x 6’s which totalled 164 in boundaries in and unbeaten double century which ensured Hay-on-Wye 1^st XI maintained top spot in Marches Division Two as they dominated from start to finish against visiting Knighton-on-Teme 1^st XI. Second placed Almeley 1^st XI recorded a six wicket win against Wormelow 2^nd XI to stay eighteen points adrift. Sam Charles (5-25) took five second innings wickets in Moccas 1^st XIs win against Woolhope 2^nd XI which kept them one point ahead of Canon Frome 2^nd XI who recorded their third win of the season against Presteigne 1^st XI.

With the final result of the match between Fownhope Strollers 2^nd XI and Kington CC 2^nd XI to be received in Marches Division Three, despite losing to Dales 2^nd XI by eight wickets Goodrich 2^nd XI continue to lead the way with a six point advantage over second placed Bartestree & Lugwardine 3^rd XI who recorded a wide margin win against Luctonians 2^nd XI. Dales 2^nd XI are third a further nineteen pints adrift with Almeley 2^nd XI in fourth place, two points further back after recording a six wicket win against bottom side Ross-on-Wye 2^nd XI. Fownhope Strollers 2^nd XI are sixth (with power to add should they win against Kington 2^nd XI) whilst Burghill, Tillington & Weobley 3^rd XI, Luctonians 2^nd XI and Kington 2^nd XI currently occupy sixth, seventh and eight respectively.

Stuart Lampitt