Sun finally shines on Walsall

After yet another abandonment due to rain, there was a sense of irony when Walsall were presented with their third successive Birmingham & District Premier Division title in bright sunshine.

Skipper Paul Wicker received the Championship Trophy from League President Barry Stokes who congratulated the Gorway club on their success in becoming first side to complete a hat-trick of titles since 1937 when the same club dominated.

Himley, the only side that could prevent Walsall from taking the title at the start of the day, were frustrated by their eighth abandonment of the season at Kenilworth Wardens, but the South Staffordshire-based Club clinched the runners-up trophy.

Knowle & Dorridge cruised to a five wicket win at Barnt Green to take the final podium place. The home side slipped to 18 for four before Dougie Brown’s 46 saw them to 101 all out.

Then Nick Warren (3-10) and Man of the Match Nick James (4-38) cut through Green’s batting order and left Knowle & Dorridge with a modest target, which was achieved for the loss of five wickets in less than 25 overs.

Wolverhampton finished in fifth place while Walmley ensured a top-half finish with a five wicket victory at bottom club Shifnal, who crashed to 80 all out as Mark Russell took 4-10 and Lionel Baker 3-24.

Adam Shimmons’ 4-40 was the only bright note for Shifnal who finished a dismal season on another low note as Man of the Match Bhavik Patel (29) steered Walmley to victory.

West Bromwich Dartmouth will accompany Shifnal into Division One after their fate was sealed by the abandonment of their match at eighth placed Moseley, but even a win would not have been enough to save them as Leamington Spa secured the 14 points they needed to stay safe in tenth position.

Man of the Match Mark Lewis top scored with 64 in Leamington’s 200 for seven, which was just enough, as seventh placed Kidderminster Victoria finished mighty close on 198 for eight with Josh Knappett scoring 53.

Jack Hawkes’ 4-54 proved crucial for Leamington, who staged a remarkable recovery in the second half of the season.