HIMLEY CC got back to winning ways against Leamington thanks to a four wicket haul from “surprise package” Chris Tranter.

The opening batsmen, who only began bowling again last month after a four year absence, claimed 4-13 as Himley skittled out the visitors for just 110 on route to an eight wicket victory.

Tranter’s performance followed a five-wicket haul in the previous home game against Walmley and arrested two game slump for the Stourbridge Road outfit.

Himley were also boosted by the performance of opening seamer Stuart Wedge, who took 3-37.

Skipper Greg Wright said Tranter’s exploits with the ball were the perfect tonic for a side missing star seamer Tim Heap, who is still sidelined with a groin injury.

Wright said: “Chris is really swinging it, he gets that extra bit of bounce on the track at Himley which can cause problems for batsmen.

“He is a resourceful cricketer, we brought him in primarily as a batsmen but he has proved more than useful with the ball, a real surprise package.

“Then you have Stuart Wedge, who is probably having his best season for us and is on course to take 40 wickets, which will put him up there with the best in the league.”

After winning the toss and deciding to bowl, Himley were again boosted by a fine spell from seamer Wedge who dismissed Mark Lewis for 15 and Tom Lewis for a duck.

Tranter then arrived to cut short a brief Leamington revival when he dismissed Robert Williams (24), while youngster Bilaal Hussain removed David Bailey (15) to leave the visitors staring down the barrel at 63-5.

Tranter, Wedge and Jamie Lunn then wrapped up the tail, Wedge finishing with figures of 4-13.

In response, Tranter will have been disappointed to make just five runs, his third successive failure.

Fellow opener Daniel Bassett struck and unbeaten 51, while skipper Wright chipped in with 31 not out to seal a comfortable win.

Wright was also full of praise for the performances of regular second team players Bilaal Hussain and Ollie Wright who were called into the side.

He said: “The younger guys did really well, the second XI are doing alright and it’s a young side full of cricketers with potential.”

“They are really improving and I also thought Jamie Lunn did really well once again.

“It was also great to see Dan Bassett in the runs again.”

Saturday’s result saw Himley move back up two places to third in the Birmingham Premier League table and they now face another home game against Kenilworth Wardens this Saturday (noon start).

Michael Hill is expected to return though opener Harshad Patel, who missed the Leamington game through injury, is unlikely to recover in time.