Walsall clinch league title

Walsall clinched back-to-back Birmingham League titles for the first time in 70 years - despite coming out on the wrong end of their draw with Shifnal.

Dave Middleton's side took the five wickets they needed to claim the two vital bonus points that brought the crown back to Gorway, meaning the title was won before they had to bat.

Walsall were a little worried when Shifnal reached 150-1, but Paul Wicker claimed 5-96 as the Shropshire side eventually closed on 246-8.

Richard Mills top scored with an unbeaten 38 in reply as Walsall made 200-8 to start the celebrations in earnest.

Middleton admitted a weight was lifted off his side's shoulders when the fifth wicket fell.

"When Shifnal reached 150-1 there were a few worried faces around the field but it all came good in the end," said Middleton.

"It was a bit of a relief when we got that fifth wicket to get the bonus points we need.

"It was quite a surreal feeling because we could still continue with the game - but we had a good night afterwards."

Middleton, who will now step down as captain to be replaced by Wicker, paid tribute to his troops and insisted the feelgood factor will last at Gorway throughout the winter.

"It has been a good all round team performance and there have been some good individual performances within that," added Middleton.

"Gerrie Snyman has taken 41 wickets and Nathan Round has scored over 600 runs, which is a great achievement given the summer we have had weather wise.

"I am proud of the achievement of winning back to back titles although it hasn't really sunk in yet.

"It is brilliant for the club and brilliant for the lads.

"And the nice thing is we have now got six months to think about it."

Middleton is planning to stay on at the club in a playing capacity, but Graeme Archer has chosen to retire.

• Himley finished third after beating Kidderminster by seven wickets, while West Bromwich Dartmouth had to settle for sixth after going down by six wickets at home to second placed Knowle & Dorridge.

• Wolverhampton are promoted back to the Premier Division after clinching second place in the First Division despite being heavily beaten at Bromsgrove.

Bromsgrove walloped the Wolves attack for 361-5, with Wolverhampton dismissed for 277 despite 62 from Dave Manning.

But Wolverhampton's promotion was secured by third placed Cannock only picking up a losing draw from their trip to Old Hill.

Fordhouses lost their battle against the drop from Division Two after losing a high scoring encounter at Smethwick by 16 runs.

• Pelsall are also relegated to the Staffs Clubs league from Division Three after collecting only a losing draw from their home clash with relegation rivals Kington, who survive as a result.

Pelsall's cause wasn't helped by another of their rivals Studley thrashing Coleshill by nine wickets.