HALESOWEN returned to winning ways in front of a bumper crowd of over 800 people at Seth Somers Park.

Opening bowler Eddie Rhodes took 5-35 to lead the way as opponents Tamworth slumped to 103 all out before an unbroken fourth wicket stand between Alexei Kervezee (52 not out) and Ed Kilbee (38 not out) lifted the home side from a precarious 42-3 to a convincing seven-wicket success.

The win takes them up to fifth place in the table, seven points behind this Saturday's opponents Oswestry.

Captain Kervezee said: "That was more like it and that’s the standard we need to set for the remaining set of matches.

"We made a few changes in the week and that will take some time to bed-in, we know that, but also we have spent a lot of time with a cricket management team mapping out a few key things for the upcoming matches and how we want to play from here on in. "We are half way through now and it was a good time to sit down and review everything.

"On today, Eddie was brilliant and together with us upping the ante at training with regard to our fielding intensities it is beginning to show. We are now seven points off a promotion spot and we play Oswestry next week who are second, which is exactly what we want and we need frankly."

Asked about his return to form, the skipper added: "Yes it’s been a good week for me all round and I really feel I am getting back to my best again. It’s been quite a challenge learning to captain a team and be the figurehead of the club and we knew it was going to take time to settle. It’s a lot to take on when you are new to it all.

"I have really good support around me all the time from both the players and the off-field personnel, we talk a lot about all of the cricket and how we can get the best out of people and improve them at the same time and we knew it would all click eventually. "We just want to go on a run of successful games with the boys and to see us further up the table. That’s what motivates us. I am loving it to be honest and can’t wait for the training sessions and of course next week against Oswestry."

The second team suffered a blip but remain in the top spots having lost to Ombersley. After sliding to 103 all out in 38 overs thanks to Mohammed Shauib’s 41 Halesowen were undone by an all-round performance by Ryan D’Oliveria’s 5-29 followed up by a quickfire 51. Only leg spinner Archie Reeves (3-43) made any headway for the visitors who lost by five wickets.

Meanwhile, the third team’s return to form continues as they plough away at the top of their Worcester League, this time against Kidderminster.

Batting first a quickfire 79 off 48 balls from Siddesh Chavan set up the total of 281 but it was also the craft of Jonty Preece (82) on a tricky surface that was notable. In reply quick bowler Chavan (3-20) was the chief destroyer as Kidder collapsed to 143 all out and a 140 run win for Hales.