STAND-IN Halesowen Cricket Club captain Wes Griffiths is looking to lead them back up the table – starting when they travel to Coventry and North Warwickshire on Saturday (noon start).

The Big Pet Store sponsored club suffered a batting blip against Wombourne last weekend and had to settle for a losing draw.

The result leaves them fifth in the Birmingham and District Premier League Division Two standings, 50 points from the top spot at the halfway stage of the season.

Griffiths will now lead the side over the coming weeks with club captain Richard Booker on holiday – and he is desperate to ensure they get back to winning ways at the first opportunity.

He said: “I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead the team in the next few games as they are important for us to get up amongst the front runners – undoubtedly we need to get back to winning ways and get up there.”

Halesowen were undone by left arm spinner Kuldip Diwan as he took 4-27 for Wombourne, reducing Booker’s side to 127-7 in reply to a target of 250.

Meanwhile, the Second XI demonstrated plenty of character to earn a winning draw at mid-table Moseley.

Mark Fisher (91) led them to a solid score of 225-8 from their 50 overs, before Jujar Johal took 6-37 to reduce them to 166-9 and come within a whisker of victory.

The Third XI saw their game succumb to the weather, whilst the Fourth XI bowled out Martley for 217, with Raqueeb Khan taking 6-24, before a strong all-around batting display ensured they chased down the total with four overs to spare.

Whilst the First XI will travel to Coventry and North Warwickshire on Saturday, the Second XI will host West Bromwich and Dartmouth at Seth Somers Park (12.30) plus the Third and Fourth XIs will take on Astwood Bank away and home respectively (both 1pm).

Finally, the club are hosting a number of multi-sport summer camps over the coming weeks at a price of £20 per day or £80 per week, starting on July 27 and taking place for six weeks.

For more details contact Chris Jones on 07950 715832 or email chrisjonesy12@yahoo.co.uk.