A CENTURY from Oli Westbury helped Himley return to form ahead of this Saturday's visit of league leaders Kidderminster.

Himley secured a winning draw against Halesowen last weekend thanks to Westbury's ton and the immediate impact of overseas debutant Shehan Fernando (87).

The home side set Hales 300 to win after they'd lost the toss and been put into bat at Stourbridge Road.

Visiting opener Ed Kilbee followed Westbury's lead to bag a ton of his own in reply.

Hassan Qaumi's 65 also kept Hales in the hunt but they eventually finished 11 runs short of their target.

The winning draw ends a difficult spell for Himley and sets up this Saturday's clash with KCC.

Skipper Greg Wright hailed his side's battling qualities after the contest.

He said: "I was pleased with the result. We lost another toss and it was a good surface to chase on but we did a brilliant job with the bat.

"We've not had much luck recently but that should change soon if we keep battling the way we have been.

"We were in control for a long period and put so much effort in.

"We got tired and a little ragged at one stage and that meant they came back into it late on but without ever really threatening.

"We did miss the bowling of Adam Finch but Jamie Turner really stepped up and had one of his best spells of the season.

"Shehan showed his quality and it was brilliant for Oli Westbury who got his first century for the first team.

"We have not been on a good run but we feel like we're heading in the right direction again."

Himley, who are fourth from bottom in Birmingham and District League Division One, will now look for a big victory over Kidderminster (noon start).

They will still be without Finch due to his call-up to England's under-19s.