Knowle & Dorridge get ready to rock

Nick Warren makes welcome return for K & D © Getty Images

Knowle & Dorridge completed a routine five wicket victory at Walmley and need just five points from their last two games to clinch their first ever Birmingham Midshires Premier Division title.

With Wolverhampton facing the likelihood of a three point deduction for failing to meet the required over rate in their match against Barnt Green last Saturday, the trophy should reside at Station Road for the next 12 months barring a complete loss of form in the next fortnight.

After electing to bat first, Walmley skipper Chris Howell (40) steered his side to 185 all out, in the 55th over, with Ben Coley and Nick Warren picking up three wickets each.

Warren, returning from a lengthy period off with a badly broken finger, joined Nick James to make an unbeaten 52 and guide K & D to another 24 points after they lost five early wickets.

James (72 not out) took the Man of the Match Award but Warren’s successful return bodes well for K & D in their final quest for the League title and the National Twenty 20 Competition.

Wolverhampton ensured that they will not be overtaken for the runners-up spot with a narrow six run win at Kidderminster Victoria who collapsed from a position of strength, on 143 for three to 171 all out.

Anish Kapil scored 57 in Wolves’ 177 for eight, with Jonathan Wright picking up 4-58 for Kiddi.

Matt Pardoe’s 66 appeared to have set Kiddi up for victory but Jack Snape (4-41), Man of the Match Kapil (3-12) and Chris Russell (3-43) ripped through the rest of the line-up to ensure that K & D’s champagne was put on ice until next week.

At the foot of the table, both Walsall and Leamington Spa were frustrated by the outcome of their match at Arlington Avenue.

A win for either side would have eased the pressure but both remain in the relegation dog-fight after Leamington hung on at 172 for nine in response to Walsall’s 176 for eight.

Man of the Match Mo Sheikh hit 57 for Walsall, with support from Adam Breakspear (32), while Tim Westwood and Simon Francis took three wickets apiece for Leamington.

Former Hampshire and Somerset bowler Simon Francis © Getty Images

Rob Williams (63) and Mark Lewis (50) compiled half centuries for the home side and Gareth Williams picked up 3-33 for Walsall.

Although Bromsgrove lost to Shrewsbury by six wickets, they still retain hopes of safety but they will probably need to win both of their last two games.

Ash Newdick top scored with 53 as Bromsgrove were restricted to 156 for eight by Rob Foster (4 for 33) before Ryan Bishop’s 85 earned him the Man of the Match Award and his side an easy victory.

Moseley appear to have lost form at the wrong time and they have been dragged into the fight to avoid relegation following their seven wicket thrashing at Himley.

Jamie Lunn’s 4-34 sent Moseley on their way to 81 all out with Chris Tranter taking 3-28. Danny Cox (32 not out) and Man of the Match Tranter (25) gave Himley the start they needed to secure the victory that removes any threat of relegation.