BARNT Green CC First XI made a fantastic start in their bid to claim the Birmingham League Premier Division crown with a thumping eight-wicket victory at Himley.

Lyndon Jones' side, who have seen both of their league fixtures to date ruined by rain, had some good bowling to thank for their success as well as a century opening batting partnership in reply.

And a delighted skipper was eager to praise all his bowlers and opening batsmen.

He said: "It was vital that we restricted Himley early on and put them under pressure straight away.

"None of the bowlers lost their discipline. Welch and Golding bowled really well and I was encouraged by the performances of young Alan White and James Watkins.

"Hall and Dallaway showed great form and didn't give Himley a way back into the game. Hall especially looks different class at the moment, while Dallaway worked really hard at the other end.

"We need to keep this going, because we have a massive weekend coming up." Green host Moseley this Saturday and Wellington in the National Knockout third round on Sunday.

Jones won the toss and had no hesitation putting the hosts in.

With the bonus of having Derbyshire paceman Graeme Welch in their ranks, the Cherry Hill side pressurised the Himley batsmen into false strokes.

Fine catches from Richard Hall, Gavin Haynes and Adam Smith ensured Welch's 4-25, Golding's 2-31 and 18-year-old Alan White's 2-20 did not go to waste.

Only a watchful 45 not out by Stuart Lampitt and 21 by Cooper enabled Himley to register a batting point and reach 154-9 off 55 overs.

In reply, in-form openers Hall and Matt Dallaway showed no mercy. They put on a century stand before Dallaway was harshly judged LBW for 37.

Hall reached 80 not out, with support from 19-year-old debutant James Watkins (19) seeing Barnt Green home.