SKIPPER Ben Smith hit a valiant and vital half century to help Himley beat rivals Old Hill by 48 runs at a sun-drenched Haden Hill.

Smith's battling 52 from 65 balls came despite the captain needing a runner in the closing stages of the visitors' innings.

After missing last weekend's defeat at Barnards Green with a calf strain, Smith had to hobble his way through the closing moments of his innings 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.

Old Hill's chase started slowly but they were soon progressing towards their target with wickets in hand.

However, once star man Monil Patel was trapped lbw by Jaime Turner for 45, the home side's task began to look ever more challenging.

A vital spell from Chris Boroughs saw him bag the scalps of James Howell and Dan Brosnan as Old Hill stalled on 134-6.

Worcestershire's Tom Kohlar-Cadmore, who had earlier disappointed with the bat for Himley when only managing four runs, accounted for the wickets of Thomas Elwell and Nigel Davenport late on.

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

While Old Hill remain without a win this term, Himley could celebrate their first victory.