STUART Wedge struck a sublime 66 to help Himley secure an emphatic 119-run win over Knowle and Dorridge in the Birmingham League Premier Division.

The former Worcestershire player provided Himley’s innings with exactly the right impetus after experienced pair Nathan Round and skipper Greg Wright had steadied what had proved a shakey start with the bat.

Wright reeled off 51, while Round reached 39 taking Himley from 23-3 to 130.

Wedge then took charge and with late support from Jamie Turner advanced Himley’s total to an imposing 229-7.

Wright said: “Stuart played it perfectly so that we were able to have a bit of a whoosh at the end.

“I fancied anything more than 200 was going to be a competitive total and so it proved.”

The dangerous left-arm of strike bowler Danny Smith removed Knowle and Dorridge’s in-form Alex Phillips and Derbyshire wicketkeeper-batsman Richard Johnson.

Wedge then wreaked havoc in the middle-order claiming the wickets of David Smith, Sam Reddish and South African batsman Hendricks for figures of 3-19 before Ryan Brown and Round finished off the innings with two wickets each.

Skipper Wright couldn’t hide his delight as Knowle and Dorridge perished for a paltry 110.

He said: “It was a really satisfying performance. Our bowling and fielding has been excellent of late and at one stage both Stuart Wedge and Nathan Round were on hat-tricks.

“But now we seem to be getting our form back with the bat as well.

“I know we went three wickets down really early, but that was more due to good bowling.

“Nathan and myself dug in with the bat and had that little bit of luck you need sometimes, but the most important thing is that we’re getting some continuity back.”

Wright has no problems in naming exactly the same side for the visit of promoted side Walmley to Stourbridge Road this Saturday as Himley look to make it three wins in a row.