CHAIRMAN Gordon Lewis has praised Jamie Turner after the bowler helped fire Himley firmly back into the promotion picture.

The paceman bagged six wickets for the loss of just 12 runs as his side secured a narrow victory over fellow promotion-chasers Smethwick last Saturday.

The success by two wickets saw Himley bounce back to winning ways following successive defeats against Dorridge and Bridgnorth.

Lewis said: "It was a stunning bowling performance from Jamie Turner. He was in brilliant form and handed us the chance of victory.

"It was a day for the bowlers with the overcast conditions meaning the ball was swinging round corners. We were able to take advantage of that because of how well Jamie played.

"He is a top lad as well and has only ever been at this club. His success emphasises where we are going at the moment by developing our own cricketers and giving them a chance in the team."

Himley reduced Smethwick to 131-9 after winning the toss at a rain-reduced contest at Stourbridge Road. Chris Boroughs took the other three wickets, including that of visiting top scorer Naqaash Tahir (52).

Tahir's knock proved a frustrating one for the hosts after he helped them recover from being at 31-7 at one stage.

Himley's chase didn't start well after their top three were all removed cheaply.

William Fraine (17), Mike Jones (4) and Boroughs (0) were sent packing as they stuttered to 21-3.

However, another vital half century from skipper Ben Smith had Himley back on track before Turner and Arfan Khan eventually knocked off the final runs in the last over.

"It was our best performance of the season so far," added Lewis.

"We were really good in the field and we could have bowled them out for a lot less than we did."

The chairman also prised the contribution of Smith, adding: "If you're going to have an ex-pro as your director of cricket, there is no-one better. He gives you everything.

"He is also in great form at the moment and it is great that he has been able to come and play for us on a more regular basis this year. Leicestershire's loss is certainly Himley's gain."

Lewis is bullish ahead of this Saturday's home clash with third-from-bottom side Wellington (noon start) and believes there is plenty more to come from his young side.

"There is still a lot of cricket to come and we are getting stronger as the season goes on," he said.

"There will always be a few dips in form with a young team but it means we are nowhere near the finished article. We can continue to get better.

"We handed a debut to 16-year-old Adam Finch against Smethwick and Dan Durman also made an important contribution with the bat. We had the under-15 national champions last season and three of those have already featured for the first team this year, which is testament to the approach we are taking at the club."

Opener Greg Wright was missing from the Smethwick victory due to a hamstring injury but could return for the visit of Wellington.