Wolverhampton Cricket Club set early pace

Paceman Johannes Bothma proved too hot to handle as Wolverhampton climbed to the top of the Premier Division. The South African bagged 4-24 from 10 overs as the Danescourt men claimed a five-wicket victory at Shrewsbury. Bothma’s haul helped restrict to the hosts to 149-7 with Aaron Jeavons (56) then leading Wolves’ successful run chase. Walsall are leading the chasing pack following an impressive six-wicket victory over Himley at Gorway. Himley’s recent struggles with the bat continued as they were rolled out for 102. Greg Wright (23) and Nathan Round (22) were the only batsmen to offer any resistance as Ben McFarlane took 5-27 for the hosts. Christiaan Jonker (38) and Paul Byrne (26 not out) guided Walsall home. West Bromwich Dartmouth had to be content with a losing draw after their clash with Wellington was brought to a premature end following an injury to Wellington’s Robbie Clarke. Dartmouth were 150-4 chasing 248 to win when Clarke injured his shoulder. After waiting for an ambulance to arrive the umpires called a halt to the game. Wombourne were knocked off top spot in Division One after a 42-run reverse at Coventry NW. Dave Hemming took 6-35 as Coventry NW fell for 202, but Wombourne were dismissed for 160 in reply, Liam Hughes scoring 60. Skipper Danny Cox hit an unbeaten 72 as Old Hill finished on 144-5 in response to Bromsgrove’s 182. Nigel Davenport bagged 6-25 for Old Hill. Smethwick slipped to a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Moseley. Former New Zealand Test bowler Ian Butler sent Brewood crashing to their first defeat of the season. Butler took 9-30 as Brewood were shot out for 34 in reply to Harborne’s 98 – Chris Pearce claiming 5-14. Andy Hawkins took four wickets as Cannock picked up a losing draw at Attock. Stourbridge and Penkridge maintained their impressive starts in Division Three. Stourbridge made it four wins out of four with a two-wicket over Lichfield as 30s from Richard Bradley, Audly Alexander and Steve Game saw them to 166-8. Laeq Chisti took 7-31 to fire Penkridge to a 120-run win over Aston Manor. Chisti had earlier scored 45 and Rana Hassan 44 in Penkridge’s 211-9.