INCONSISTENT Halesowen were defeated by Bridgnorth after another batting collapse last Saturday.

They crumbled to 37-5 before 33 from Hassan Qaumi and 38 from Harry Kitchen improved the total to 154 all out in the 49th over.

Adam Quiney, with 4-35 from 15 overs, was the best of the bowlers for the visitors, who raced to victory by five wickets with more than 25 overs in hand.

David Exall and Joseph Smallman both scored 32 and the match was finished off by Simon Gregory who hit a brisk unbeaten 57 from 53 balls to lift Bridgnorth away from immediate danger at the bottom of the table.

The second XI also struggled with their batting as they were bundled out for just 71 at Enville before the home side pushed past the total for the loss of just four wickets.

With the third team being abandoned at Astwood Bank due to the inclement weather, the fourths took on Hanley Castle and Upton at the Earls Cricket Ground in Halesowen.

Hanley batted first and were dismissed for just 156 with Sam Butt (4-21) and Charlie Egerton (3-29) being the leading wicket takers. In reply Matt Slater (52) was the mainstay of the batting as Hales strolled home by four wickets to remain fourth in the table.

Speaking after the weekend's defeat, captain Alexei Kervezee said: "We seem to build momentum one week with a win and then throw it away the next. We were not at it today against Bridgnorth and that needs to be corrected if we are to continue in this level of cricket.

"We move on to matches against Himley and Oswestry this week where we need to show more steel in our performances."