HALESOWEN Cricket Club climbed up to second in the table with a crushing win over Oswestry on Saturday.

Richard Brooker’s side continued their fine form to comfortably triumph in a rain-affected game and take a huge step towards promotion in the Birmingham and District League Division Two.

They will now head into a huge top of the table encounter with league leaders Shifnal at Seth Somers Park this Saturday (12 noon) high on confidence following their dominant victory.

Kester Moseley (45) and Hassan Quami (33) helped them post an adjusted total of 159 in 35 overs.

Eddie Rhodes then wreaked havoc with the ball, taking 5-26 as they skittled Oswestry out for only 76.

It was a tremendous bowling effort from the side – and skipper Brooker was delighted with their performance.

“Losing the toss could have played a huge part in the day,” Brooker said. “I felt we were a few runs light. It was difficult to get any rhythm to our innings with the constant weather interruptions.

“Once again our bowling unit was superb and never let Oswestry into the game.”

The second XI and third XI suffered disappointment, being beaten by Walmley and Five Ways Old Edwardians respectively, whilst the fourth XI saw their game with Himbleton abandoned without a ball being bowled.

But a memorable weekend for the club nonetheless ended on a high, with their under-15s side crowned County T20 Champions.

Hassan Akram took four wickets and Talha Ikhlaq struck a splendid 32 not out as they claimed a four-wicket win over reigning National Champions Barnt Green to lift the trophy.

Finally, the Sunday first XI prevailed by four wickets in a tense game with Worcester CC to book a New Road showdown with Hagley CC in the Worcestershire Canterbury Cup Final.