HALESOWEN skipper Richard Brooker was pleased with his side's performance after a narrow defeat at high-flying Oswestry.

Hales took their clash with second-placed Oswestry to the very last over before the home side managed to get over the line and win by three wickets last Saturday.

Brooker's men batted first in a rain reduced game and in tricky conditions amassed 185-5 in 41 overs thanks to a return to form from Ed Kilbee (97 not out) and Hassan Quami, with a well-compiled 40.

In reply, Oswestry made a steady start built around all-rounder Warwick Fynn (82) as they attempted to make it four wins from four this campaign. The visitors took the game into the final over after some good work in the field but couldn't prevent another defeat.

But the nature of the determined showing offered hope that Hales, who sit bottom of Division Two of the Birmingham and District Premier League, are nearing a return to winning ways.

Brooker is remaining positive ahead of this weekend's derby clash with Harborne at Seth Somers Park (noon start).

He said: "We played some good cricket as we were batting in the worst of the conditions and having a couple of decisions not going our way when bowling.

"In a tight game of cricket these things matter more but I have to be pleased with the performance and we are looking forward to next weeks clash immensely."

The only other side to get a game last weekend was the club's fourths at Stourport. The home team totted up 219-9 with Archie Reeves taking 3-13 with his leg spin. In reply, Halesowen managed 176-6 with a good contribution from Vinny O Grady (64 not out) as Hales ended with a losing draw.

They will now welcome Barlestree seconds to Earls High School this Saturday (1pm).

The seconds will go to Harbourne (12.30pm) with the thirds at Old Elizabethans (1pm).

Meanwhile, the club welcomed more than 50 new 5-8 year olds to the ground last Friday as part of the new ECB All Stars initiative.