Halesowen kick-started their season with a resounding nine wicket home win over Aston Manor.

The victory was the first of the campaign for Wes Griffiths’ side and ended a run of two straight defeats.

It also saw an excellent fillip for Hales’ bowling unit, who responded to recent criticism by skittling the visitors for just 124, Andy Roberts taking four wickets.

Batting first, Manor started positively before a sudden collapse from 39-0 to 45-4. They never really recovered, with only a last wicket stand of 30 ensuring they reached triple figures.

In response, Halesowen lost Mohammad Shauib early on but fine unbeaten half-centuries from Hassan Quami and Ajantha Weerappuli ensured they chased down the target inside 30 overs.

Speaking afterwards, a delighted Griffiths said: “It’s a timely win for us and hopefully we can push on from here.

“It was a great display from our bowlers, I told them this morning they are not a bad attack and they went and responded.

“It’s not a bad pitch for batting but we snared a couple early on and went on from there.”