Report submitted by Halesowen Cricket Club

Halesowen’s first team hit the ground running in their first competitive fixture of the 2020 summer, beating Ombersley by three wickets.

All of the bowlers played their part, on what proved a tricky wicket which was conductive to both seam movement and spin.

James Rudge, Eddie Rhodes, Luke Tulacz and Peter Scott all taking one wicket a piece with captain Alexei Kervezee claiming two.

The high quality of Halesowen’s fielding was a feature throughout and after Jamie Harrris’ fluent 50, Kervezee saw his side home with 29 not out.

Kervezee commented “had you offered me 141 at the start of the day with all the new faces taking wickets and bowling well, I would have snapped your hands off.

“In terms of the batting, it was a case of getting the job done on what was a tricky wicket at times which we did comfortably in the end.

"The most pleasing thing for me is how all the new lads have integrated into the club, bought into our philosophy and have added value to the club both as cricketers and people.

“The lads are looking forward to Saturday and can’t wait to play again”

The second team hosted nearby Harborne in a Worcestershire County League Trophy match with Halesowen coming out on top by 64 runs at Dogkennel Lane.

After recovering from an early wobble, five players chipping in with 20+ scores saw the side reach 203 in their 40 overs.

Worcestershire CCC academy player Alex Jordan then reduced the visitors to 47-3 before a burst of 4-22 from Hassan Akram set up a comfortable victory.

Newly installed third eleven skipper Callum James travelled to Lye and were narrowly beaten by three wickets.

Batting first, Nick Payne top scored with 47 before being run out in bizarre fashion before spin twins Ciaran Baker-Smith and Archie Reeves shared five wickets between them as Lye just snuck over the line.

The forth eleven hosted near neighbours Romsley & Hunnington at Earls High School, with the Preece brothers starring with both bat and ball.

Batting first Halesowen racked up 202/7 with Sam Preece hitting a career best 115 from just 83 balls whilst being kept company by his brother Jonathan who struck a patient 31.

Jonathan Preece then ripped through the Romsley & Hunnington top order taking 4-17 off his eight overs, with the visitors falling 38 runs short.

A newly introduced fifth eleven travelled to Himley on Sunday where they made it four wins out of five for the club over the opening weekend of the delayed season.

Ben Dunn (58) and Jamie Watson (43 not out) led Halesowen to 199/7 off their 40 overs with Himley only managing 171/3 in reply.