RICHARD Brooker has voiced concerns over the amount of pressure on the shoulders of Halesowen's star batsman Ed Kilbee.

And the skipper has admits this week is being spent pondering changes to the batting line-up as they prepare to face Penkridge at Seth Somers Park on Saturday (noon).

Brooker says rain saved them from defeat in last Saturday’s clash with C&R Hawks in Cannock, which was abandoned.

They were bowled out for a lowly 136 on a slow wicket with Kilbee hitting 40 and Will Barrett 35.

The home side were well on their way to victory at 87-2 from 16.3 overs when the rain came to save Hales’ blushes.

The result leaves Halesowen fourth in the table after collecting six points from what play was possible.

Brooker said: “Admittedly it was a tough pitch to bat on but we really didn’t apply ourselves at key times, which was disappointing.

“As good as Ed Kilbee is we really cannot be reliant on him week in, week out so there is some thinking to be done this week about how we go about our batting plans.

“In truth, the rain saved us from a defeat this week.”

Meanwhile, the second team remain in mid-table after their washed out game against a Kidderminster team that were ravaged by injuries and unavailability.

Batting first Halesowen clocked up 227-6 thanks largely to Tom Williams (67), Mark Hutchinson (51 not out) and Kish Patel (30).

In reply, Kidderminster had eased their way to 36-1 off seven overs when the rains came. Halesowen picked up nine points.

Captain Shaz Gill (100) was the mainstay in Halesowen Thirds' 228 all out against their Bromsgrove counterparts, who were 84-1 when their game was abandoned.

The seconds go to Knowle and Dorridge on Saturday (12.30pm). Himley are the opponents for the third and fourth teams with the thirds travelling and fourths at home (both 1pm starts).

Menawhile, Hales will once again be running holiday coaching camps for youngsters.

Head of youth cricket Carl Bust said: "After the success of the Easter Cricket Camps, Halesowen are offering a fantastic package of cricket coaching this half-term.

"The sessions will be designed to build on the good start to the season for all ages and abilities."

They will run from Monday, May 30, to Friday, June 3. For more details, email: cbcrick etcoach@gmail.com