HIMLEY captain Ben Smith has backed his side to build on their first win of the season.

Smith hit a vital half century against rivals Old Hill last Saturday to help his side to their first success this campaign.

The skipper's battling 52 from 65 balls came despite him needing a runner in the closing stages of his innings.

After missing the previous weekend’s defeat at Barnards Green with a calf strain, Smith had to hobble his way through the closing moments of his innings with cramp as he edged his side towards a competitive total.

He added to an important 73 from opener Will Fraine as Himley ended on 210 on a pitch that offered little for either side.

The hosts were finally bowled out in the 45th over for 162, still 48 runs short.

Smith said: “It was a good team effort overall and it’s a relief to finally get off the mark and get that first win under our belts.

“We built partnerships with the bat and then were patient with the ball, which we backed up well with our fielding performance.

“The pace of the pitch dictated the play really. We knew that anything over 200 and we would be capable of defending it. But even then we still had to go out and bowl well.”

The captain is confident his players can build on their fist win.

“We are just getting going now,” he added.

“That was the first full game we have played and there should be a lot more to come from us. Until now we have found it hard to build any momentum.

“It will hopefully be a case of more of the same this weekend.”

Himley will now face Bromsgrove at Stourbridge Road this Saturday (noon start).

Sunday will see them face Wolverhampton at Danescourt Road for a Staffs County Cup clash (1pm start).

It is likely Himley will be without Worcestershire's Tom Kohler-Cadmore this weekend, but Smith should be back in action.

“I have struggled with a calf injury this season but it was just cramp against Old Hill,” he explained.

“I decided to have a runner just to be on the safe side. I should be fine to face Bromsgrove.”