HALESOWEN head into their local derby at Stourbridge on Saturday in good heart after extending their unbeaten run.

Opening duo Kilbee and Stebbings laid the foundations for their 263-8 off 55 overs with an opening stand of 86 in their winning draw over Berwood.

And they received solid support from Tarryck Gabriel, in his last game for the club before returning to St Lucia this week, who scored 89 from just 74 balls.

Brewood got off to a quick start in reply with opener Chris Tranter (21) only wanting to deal in boundaries, but he was first out with the score on 37-1.

Gabriel was brought on second change and took a triple wicket maiden in his first over which saw Brewood collapse to 51-5.

After opener Cartwright (45) fell LBW to Rich Brooker the 'Owen total was always out of reach and the home batters put up the shutters and batted out the draw.

Brewood finished on 196-8 with Andrew Day undefeated on 59. Pick of the bowlers were Gabriel with 3-45 and Brooker 4-32.

Skipper Brooker said: “Once again we put in a very solid batting performance with a platform set by Kilbee and Stebbings.

“Gabriel converted the good start into a very good total in spin friendly conditions which was very pleasing.

“A bright start from Brewood was stunted with five quick wickets which ended the game as a contest, again this was very pleasing.

“Unfortunately we were unable to bowl them out but another positive result maintaining the consistency which we are striving for.”

Meanwhile, Halesowen second XI slipped to a home defeat to Old Hill and Shifnal take over at the top of the table with only 7 points first and third.

The top three have pulled clear and two of Shifnal, 'Owen and Coventry NW are looking good for promotion.

Saturday’s game at Stourbridge starts at midday and the second XI are at home to Walsall.