Halesowen could find no answer to Whitchurch’s record-breaking opening stand last Saturday.

The visiting duo of Richard Oliver and Simon Gregory racked up a mammoth 332 for the first wicket after being put into bat, with the hosts unable to break them during 52 overs.

Gregory finished with an unbeaten 124, while Oliver finished with 200 not out.

The only solace for the hosts came in the fact they didn’t lose the game, after going on to make 243-8 in the 58 overs they had to bat.

Asif Khan (84) and Hassan Quami (50) were particularly impressive with knocks which on any other day could have stole the headlines.

Speaking after the game Richard Cox, standing-in for holidaying skipper Wes Griffiths, tried to sum up the astonishing proceedings.

He said: "Sometimes in cricket you come across players and teams that have their day and this was one of them. Oliver and Gregory were outstanding.

“The fielding was pretty exemplary throughout with the extras count just four and no dropped catches which tells a story in itself.

“Frankly 300 is a hell of a chase at any level and making the most of the conditions to bat ourselves to four points was the only realistic option as the game went on.

“Asif once again showed patience and timing well supported by Quami whilst Kester Moseley again showed calm reassurance at the end to prevent defeat.”

Halesowen have another home game this Saturday against Cannock and will be hoping for victory to ease any fears of being embroiled in a late season relegation scrap.

Though they sit seventh in the standings, Hales’ lead over the bottom two now stands at just 19 points.