SKIPPER Ben Smith says confidence is high at Himley ahead of this Saturday’s trip to promotion rivals Dorridge.

Second-placed Himley secured their fourth victory in six games thanks to an eight-wicket win against Sutton Coldfield at Stourbridge Road last weekend.

The win continued their push towards the top of the table and means they head to third-placed Dorridge in good spirits.

Smith said: “Confidence is high among the players at the moment, and rightly so I think.

“We have eked out a couple of results from games that were very close but have backed that up by playing really well in the last two games.

“Confidence is there now and we believe in ourselves and what we are capable of.

“It will be a tough game against Dorridge. They are up there for a reason. It will be important that we continue to win key moments in the game as we have been doing.

“Our aim is to go into the last six games knowing exactly what we need to do. We want to be in their fighting at the end of the season.”

Himley bowled out Sutton Coldfield for just 135 after winning the toss and electing to field.

Jamie Turner sent both openers packing before Ryan Brown and Stuart Wedge continued Himley’s form with the ball.

Aaron Thomason top scored with 45 before he was caught by Daniel Durman off the bowling of Brown.

Turner eventually returned to the action to bag the last two tailenders.

Himley openers Will Fraine (27) and Greg Wright (26) laid the foundations for their successful chase before Chad Brandrick (29 no) and Chris Boroughs (34 no) powered them over the line in the 39th over.

Smith added: “Our bowlers did us proud once again. We rarely bowled one bad ball all afternoon and kept getting regular wickets.

“Our bowling has been a real strength and that was the case again. It was also really good to see the top four contributing well with the bat.

“We still had work to do to knock off the runs and we did that well.”

The skipper also praised the impact of the players that have come into the side from the club’s second team.

Bowler Elliot Hopkin and batsman Brandrick have both had an impact in recent weeks.

“The seconds have had a really good season so far and that is important for us,” said Smith. “The seconds are very much a feeder side for the firsts and we are looking at how individuals play and seeing where they can slot in.”

Smith will have a full squad at his disposal for Saturday’s trip to Dorridge (noon start).