HIMLEY'S chances of avoiding the drop were dealt a heavy blow following defeat against Walmley.

The Stourbridge Road side are left rooted to the bottom of the Birmingham Premier League after falling short by just nine runs on Saturday.

Captain Greg Wright said: "We are bitterly disappointed. We should be more than capable of getting the total we needed but we didn't bat well enough again.

"Losing is a big blow and it makes our task all the more difficult."

After winning the toss against Walmley, Wright elected to have a bowl at the visitors.

It was a decision that paid off as bowlers Daniel Smith and Jamie Turner ripped through the Walmley top order to leave them on 47-5.

A spirited effort from number eight Ray Cooper (24) and number nine Shozair Ali (32) could only help to take Walmley's final score to 143 all out.

It left Himley with the chance to get a much-needed victory.

However, despite 25 from opener Wright, the home side also lost early wickets as the pressure began to tell.

They were bowled out just short of their target despite Jamie Harris (25) and Jamie Turner (14 not out) trying their best to get Himley home.

They will now face two games this weekend as the season reaches a crucial period.

The will take on Brockhampton at home on Saturday before travelling to Knowle and Dorridge on Monday.

"All we can do now is re-group and keep trying," added Wright.

"We are all fully aware of the situation. We have to win our next two games just to give ourselves the chance of staying up."