Hill batsman digs in for valiant draw (From Dudley News)

Hill batsman digs in for valiant draw

11:06am Friday 21st July 2006

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Old Hill held out for a draw with Kidderminster Victoria in the Birmingham League Premier Division at the weekend thanks to some heroics from James Pearson and no little off-field drama.

The arrival of Old Hill captain Attiq-ur-Rehman's first born in the early hours of Saturday morning meant the skipper was understandably late to arrive for the game.

Cricket secretary Derek Griffiths said: "Coupled with the late non-appearance of Salim Hussain, our plans were thrown into chaos.

"With the start of the match imminent, there were only nine Old Hill players to take the field.

"So with the umpires' and opposing captain's consent, 13-year-old Jared Daniels made his debut while a reinforcement was sent from the second XI as Attiq battled through the heavy traffic."

When the match got underway, Victoria batted first and the run rate was kept down thanks to some disciplined bowling.

Unbeaten

But from 166/2 they accelerated away, plundering 73 runs from the final seven overs. Will Gifford made an unbeaten century.

Even so, 230 appeared to be a gettable total on a decent track but Old Hill's response was thrown into disarray when they were reduced to 18/4 in the tenth over.

But they were able to call on the services of James Pearson who batted for more than 40 overs for a draw.

n In Division One, Halesowen moved back into the promotion places with a winning draw at Bromsgrove on Saturday to line up a tasty top-of-the-table clash with Harborne this Saturday.

An already important game is made all the more intriguing as both captains - Richard Cox and Jon Cockcroft - work together at Edgbaston.

Cox said: "This week's game is a big test for us we came up against Shifnal two weeks ago and came second by some distance.

"This is our opportunity to make amends.

"Harborne outplayed us in the first game, which was rain affected, and this week we need to show them if we have tightened up.

"Otherwise they will race away to the title while the rest of us play catch up.

"It's game on and we know it."

There will be further changes to the side this week with Tandy, Perkins and Lowe on holiday leaving Cox with a selection headache which will be finalised at this week's practice sessions.

Halesowen were frustrated by Bromsgrove's ninth wicket pair in the clash at St Godwald's Park at the weekend.

Julian Court made 57 and Zafran Ali 54 not out to stave off defeat with a partnership of 79.

Stand

Earlier Halesowen had smashed their way to 295/7 which was formed on the base of a 200-run opening stand between Daryl Mitchell (114) and Mark Fisher (111 not out).

n Romsley were beaten by four wickets by Bewdley to remain bottom of WCL Division One.

Paul Morgan (56) and Ryan Beaumont (70 not out) were the main contributers for Romsley who posted 242/9.

The game looked to be swinging towards Romsley when Bewdley were reduced to 101/4 but they managed to knock off the runs in the remaining overs.

Craig Bray picked up three wickets just two days before a knee operation which will effectively finish his season.

Bowler Dave Painter will return for this week's must-win clash with Astwood Bank.

In Division Two, Coombs Wood held out for a a brave draw with unbeaten league leaders Stourbridge.

Their second team mimicked the efforts of the firsts by ending as runners up in the league's knockout competition. They were beaten by Barnards Green in the final at Ombersley on Monday.

Old Halesonians suffered only their second defeat of the season in WCL Three North when Pedmore turned in an excellent showing.

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