HALESOWEN skipper Richard Brooker says anything can happen in the final weeks of the season.

Brooker’s side had a frustrating Bank Holiday weekend after seeing their Saturday clash with Shifnal washed out when they looked well set.

They bowled their rivals out for 120 with Eddie Rhodes, Masharraf Shazad and Tom Wickstead in the wickets – but their reply with the bat was cut short at 6-1 thanks to rain.

And on Monday struggling Stratford knocked 273-6 and Halesowen were skittled out for 140 to lose by 133 runs.

Brooker said: “It wasn’t really the Bank Holiday weekend we were looking for.

“With the weather on Saturday defeating us and then an unusually below par performance with the ball on Monday it means the next few weeks are going to be tough but then nothing gained of worth is ever easy.

“However we play fourth placed Tamworth this weekend and with three games to go and the abrupt change round in points now that all games are all win-lose means anything can happen. It’s going to be an exciting run-in and we need to enjoy the final few weeks.’ The second team were also rained off on Saturday with Shifnal totalling 233-6 in the first innings and in reply Halesowen were 10-1 when the rain came.

But on Monday they gave themselves a glimmer of hope of surviving relegation with a resounding win against Brockhampton which jumped them out of the relegation zone and closed the gap on the teams above them.

Chasing 200 for victory the Seth Somers outfit - complete with six players under the age of 18 - romped home by seven wickets and gave a glimpse of the future of the club.

Restricted by some tight bowling on a turning pitch Jujhar Johal (3-16) was the main protagonist. The run chase was then marshalled by 17 year old Johal with a chanceless 83no supported by Richard Cox (50*).

In the third team game vs Claverley Halesowen were 139-4 when the rains came thanks to Amardeep Singh (41) Jon Webb (39) and Nathan Hines (33*) whilst the fourth team were 175-7 at Malvern when they were washed out.

This Saturday sees the first team go to Tamworth for a midday start, the seconds face Leamington at home (12.30), thirds head to Hanley Castle and Upton and the fourths are at home – the latter two are also 12.30 starts.

Meanwhile the club are counting down to their big day at Worcestershire’s New Road ground on September 4 when they face Hagley in the Worcestershire CB Canterbury County Cup (10am).

Coaches will leave Halesowen at 8am and anyone interested should contact the club. The game will be followed by a former Worcestershire v former Warwickshire game for ex-Halesowen and current Worcestershire skipper Darryl Mithchell’s Benefit year.