HALESOWEN are stepping up their bid to sign an overseas player – and chairman Richard Evans has dropped a big hint towards a seam bowler.

Will Barrett is still on the treatment table after suffering a slight stress fracture of the lower back and his absence has left a hole in the attack.

The Big Pet Store-sponsored side have taken their time looking for the right man and with three games completed they are now ready to make their move.

They were linked with a swoop for an experienced spinner but with the emergence of Masharaf Shazad and Jack Myers, who have both been impressive in recent weeks, it has forced the club into a rethink.

And skipper Richard Brooker is currently the leader of the three-pronged spin attack which will no doubt be even more potent in the second half of the season when the wickets dry out.

Chairman Evans said: “We have been mulling our options over for some time and had been in contact with an experienced spinner in India to come to us but that hasn’t worked.

“It may be a blessing in disguise now that we have had chance to assess where we are in terms of the balance of the squads.

“This week myself, Richard Brooker and Richard Cox, who has recently appointed as Head Coach to take over from David Banks, will now be re-assessing the situation with a preference towards someone who can support our seam bowling attack which is shorn of Will Barrett for a few more weeks.

“We hope to make an announcement on this in the coming days after we have done the due diligence regarding administration and the various background checks.”

Meanwhile, Halesowen are joint third in the Birmingham League with Shifnal after a comfortable win over neighbours Stourbridge at the weekend.

Stourbridge were skittled out for 151 and Halesowen had little trouble in knocking them off.

Brooker said: “That’s more like us, our spinners got the ball in decent areas and applied the pressure at a key stage of the game.

“I was particularly pleased to see all-rounder Jack Myers pick up 3-7 in six tight overs followed by his whirlwind 37 in reply.”

Halesowen travel to Cannock this Saturday to face C&R Hawks, who currently sit fifth.

The second team were beaten by Himley with Tom Wickstead taking three wickets and Shuaib Mohamad hitting 60 - and this Saturday they face Kidderminster.

The thirds were beaten by Stourport with Jack Patchett taking 3-46 but the fourths were successful with a comfortable win over Stourport.