HALESOWEN skipper Rich Brooker wishes the season had only started six weeks ago.

Brooker led his side to an impressive win at neighbours Stourbridge on Saturday to extend their unbeaten record to six games.

The result strengthened Halesowen’s claims for mid-table security but at the same time Stourbridge have been plunged into a relegation battle after results elsewhere went against them.

Brooker said: “We are now showing the form that we knew we were capable of and had we started the season in the same vein I'm sure we would have been right up there with the leaders.

“Following a good toss to win we didn't bowl and field as well as we would have liked. The exception was 15 year old Masharraf Shazad who bowled beautifully on his debut.

“The second half of the game we dominated thanks to an unbeaten century from Kilbee and 63 from Moseley in their partnership of 161.

“This season has so many similarities to last year. If we had started six weeks ago then who knows what might have been!”

Batting wasn't easy and Stourbridge laboured to a total of 202-8 from their 50 overs largely thanks to Alex Bingham (55), Jivan Jitesh Patel (37 no), Audy Alexander (26) and Stephen Game (23).

The Halesowen bowlers too toiled in the conditions and although Brooker emerged with figures of 4-47 it was the 15 year old debutant, Shazad, who took all the plaudits taking 2-27 in his 10 over spell.

The Halesowen batsmen also found scoring difficult early but despite the loss of opener Jujhar Johal (15) the Stourbridge bowling attack offered little threat.

Ed Kilbee proceeded effortlessly to another superb century and was unbeaten on 109 as Halesowen cruised to their target with five overs to spare. Kilbee received excellent support from Kester Moseley (63).

Adam Hawker's 2nd XI slipped to a second successive defeat, this time at home to Walsall.

They are now placed third in the league table, 22 points behind leaders Shifnal, whom they face away on Saturday.

Posting an under par total of 184, largely thanks to a second half century in as many weeks from veteran batter Mark Hutchinson, Walsall reached their target for the loss of seven wickets.

Saturday sees the first X1 entertain Shifnal at Seth Somers Park, noon start while the 2nd XI travel to Shropshire for the return fixture.