STAND-IN Halesowen Cricket Club captain Wes Griffiths was left bitterly disappointed by their losing draw against Coventry and North Warwickshire last Saturday.

The Big Pet Store sponsored side never got close to their 237 victory target, finishing their run chase at 184-8 and picking up seven points in the process.

It was a disappointing result which leaves them 16-points being fourth-placed side Old Elizabethans in the Birmingham and District League Division Two at the halfway stage.

Griffiths, who is standing in for Richard Brooker as captain, was frustrated by their performance in his first game in charge.

Griffiths said: “We let them get away from us on various occasions in the game, and having started well we allowed them to build partnerships.

“Jonathon Miles once again compiled a good 70-odd for the opposition, and although 237 was a chaseable score we didn’t really make the inroads needed.

“We weren’t able to build partnerships at key times and only Will Barrett (63*) looked likely to take the game away from them.”

Griffiths side will look to bounce back on Saturday when they host Harborne at Seth Somers Park (noon), whilst the Second XI will play the same opposition away from home (12.30pm).

They will head to Harborne high on confidence having recorded an excellent 72-run win over neighbours West Bromwich and Dartmouth last Saturday.

It was an impressive display to move them out of the relegation zone as they continue to mount an encouraging recovery following a tough start to the season.

A strong all-around batting display, led by Richard Cox (49) and Mark Fisher (41), saw them score a creditable 201-8.

Alex Bullingham (5-21) then blew apart West Bromwich and Dartmouth to ensure their reply never got going.

Some impressive fielding and an excellent bowling effort saw them bowl out their opponents for just 129 and claim 24 important points in a vital relegation battle.

The Third XI also climbed the table with a win over Astwood Bank, with Luke Miley (3-31), Hassan Akram (2-20) and Archie Reeves (2-42) helping dismiss the opposition for 163.

They then strolled home with 14 overs to spare as Scott Jones (45*) and Akram (42*) ensured they won by six wickets. They will host Alveley this Saturday (1pm).

Finally, the Fourth XI dismissed Astwood Bank for 209, with Raqueeb Khan taking 3-52. However, they were bowled out for 179 in response with Ewan Stephenson (37) top scoring.

They nonetheless remain 10 points clear at the top of the table ahead of a trip to Barnards Green this Saturday (1pm).