OLD Hill’s Hamza Ahmed was denied his first club century in a stand-out performance in his side’s victory over Old Elizabethans.

The batsman was just there runs away from his maiden 100 when he was clean bowled by Eliot Bartlett.

But Ahmed’s runs were instrumental in giving his side a vital victory in their battle to avoid relegation from the Birmingham and District League Division Two.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the visitors were bowled out for 187 – despite Ahmed’s major contribution, meaning Old Hill’s bowlers had everything to do.

But it was an impressive bowling performance from the Haden Hill side, with Zahid Kafiat taking 4-31, Nigel Davenport took 3-53 and Aamir Manzoor took a pair of wickets for 39 runs, leaving Old Elizabethans all out for 153.

Captain Jonathan Wright praised his players after the win which lifts his side of the bottom of the table and out of the relegation zone – with their opponents taking the place.

“This was a particularly vital game and it was important that we picked up points,” Wright said. “We are really pleased to have not just got a win, but to get 24 points as well is really positive.

“It was a very good performance, especially with the ball, I thought we were excellent.

“Every single bowler performed how I would have wanted them to. It was almost a perfect performance from the boys.

“We did bat well, but I would like us to be more dominant with our batting when we’re on top, so there are still areas we can improve.

“It would’ve been Hamza’s first club 100 so we were obviously disappointed for him. But he batted brilliantly on Saturday and was one of the main contributors to the win.

“He’s a very good batter and it took a very good bowl to get him out, so I don’t think it’s going to be long until he does reach his century.”

Old Hill return home on Saturday to face fourth-placed Sutton Coldfield (noon start).

Wright added: “We might be third from bottom, but we’re only 35 points away from fourth place – that’s just a win-and-a-half – which just shows how tight the league is this season.

“We’ve picked up two good wins and a couple more will see us fly up the table. We’re not going to get carried away, but it’s good to have the momentum behind us.”

Last week’s sports edition said Old Hill were on a nine-game losing run but it had been brought to our attention that this information was incorrect. We apologise for the error.