Extraordinary Ord boosts Wardens

Centuries for India veteran TP Singh and young Warwickshire prospect James Ord ensured the Bimingham Midshires Birmingham & District Premier Cricket League kept supporters transfixed with just 30 points separating the top five teams.

Singh made a blistering 105 for Himley as they piled up 288 for seven in their match against last week's league leaders Wolverhampton who were forced to settle for a losing draw despite a useful 4-62 from David Manning.

Ord, who is studying at Loughborough University brought the match between Kenilworth Wardens and Walmley to life with an electrifying century. He was run out on 101 but it was enough to give Wardens victory by four wickets to lift them above defending champions Walsall to third in the table.

Title favourites Barnt Green regained top place after cruising to an easy six wicket victory against Kidderminster Victoria, who struggled without their skipper Jonathan Wright, absent due to business commitments.

Barnt Green skipper Dougie Brown took 5-48 to restrict Kidderminster to 186 which on an excellent pitch, never looked enough. Only Craig Wood (62) found a solution to the former Warwickshire all-rounder's nagging line and length.

In reply, Dai Williams (58 not out) and Stuart Shephard (44) were largely untroubled by Kidderminster's lack-lustre attack spearheaded by overseas star Mario Saliwa, whose opening over featured four no balls in a wayward spell that he would sooner forget.

Walsall also struggled to a losing draw, against Moseley, after restricting the Birmingham side to 189 for seven, Ali Awan (72) and Keith Bell (52) defying some excellent off-spin bowling from Andy Gray (4 for 61). Chris Tranter (60) and Tim Maxfield (41) were the only Walsall batsmen to shine, as Fred Eburah and Nick Chase took three wickets apiece, Walsall finishing on 160 for eight.

Knowle & Dorridge’s title hopes took a knock, as they slipped to a three wicket defeat, at home to Shifnal. Travis Friend (58), Attiq Chishti (45) and Nick Warren (45) saw the home side to 225, against accurate bowling from Guy Bulpitt (4 for 52) before Shropshire all-rounder, Jono Whitney led the reply with 72.

In the bottom of the table clash between Leamington Spa and West Bromwich Dartmouth, the home side racked up 271 for seven, Tom Lewis top scoring with 92, ably assisted by older brother Mark (56) and Luke Radford (44). Dartmouth slipped further behind at the foot of the table, responding with 244 for eight, an innings that included half-centuries from Shaftab Khalid (77) and Rawlston Tappin (53).