SRI Lankan overseas star Nipun Karunanayake smashed a century as Himley beat league leaders Shifnal.

Karunanayake's partnership with Dan Durman (68) proved key as visitors Himley chased down 259 for a key victory in Division One of the Worcestershire County League last Saturday.

Shifnal skipper Tom Collins was sent packing for a duck by Chris Boroughs (2-34) after the hosts had won the toss and elected to bat.

Ross Aucott, in at five, top scored for Shifnal before he eventually fell to the bowling of Stuart Wedge (3-80).

Anthony Parker's 65 helped the home side to 259-8 from their 55 overs.

Himley lost captain Greg Wright (5) early before Chad Brandrick (22) and Chris Boroughs (21) followed.

However, the Karunanayake-Durman partnership turned the clash in Himley's favour and they secured the confidence-boosting success in the final over.

Wright hailed the performance as Himley's best of the season and now wants to build on it heading into this Saturday's home clash with Tamworth (noon start).

He said: "Firstly, it was a great game of cricket on an excellent wicket.

"We went into the game as second favourites against a side that really means business this season and has some really good players.

"It was always going to be tough for us but I think we got both halves right. We bowled in the right areas, fielded well and took all of our catches.

"It's our best performance of the season so far and a win that we can take a lot of confidence from. We showed the qualities we have.

"It gives us that belief that we're capable of chasing down a big score as well.

"It was a brilliant partnership between Nipun and Dan Durman. Nipun timed his innings brilliantly. He has had a few decent knocks this season but I think we were waiting for that big match-winning innings and now he's got it.

"Dan is a young players making his way in the game and is a real determined character. It was great to see him perform as well.

"It's the sort of performance we want to build on. We need to try and reproduce that on a more consistent basis."

Himley will be without bowler Adam Finch and wicketkeeper Jack Whittaker this Saturday. Seconds keeper Adam Passmore is set to come in for Whittaker.