Express & Star

Robinson the star for Beacon

Spinner Ben Robinson was the star as Beacon extended their lead at the top of the Staffs Clubs Championship.

Published

The teenager bagged a magnificent seven wickets to fire Beacon to a 108-run victory over Old Wulfs Tettenhall.

Having elected to bat first, Craig Jones' side claimed a maximum 25-point return and are now 28 points clear of second-placed Pelsall following their defeat against Brewood.

New Zealander Mike Dodunski led the way with the bat for Beacon, striking a superb 112. Sohail Afzal with 59, Todd Henderson with 38 and Jones with 27 added support, leaving Beacon able to declare on 252-4 after 45 overs.

Old Wulfs started their response in positive fashion and reached 65-0, but the introduction of Steve Shettlewood, who bagged two wickets, stemmed the flow of runs before Robinson took centre stage with a career best 7-19.

Jones said: "It was a great win for us. Mike scored a superb century and 'Robbo' bowled brilliantly. It's the best I have ever seen him bowl. He deserves a lot of credit for the progress he has made.

"A couple of years ago he was a third team player, but he has worked really hard at his game and I would go as far as to say that he is now one of the best spinners in the league."

On Saturday, Jones' men entertain a Wednesbury side who are making a strong bid to gate-crash the promotion race.

Craig Cartwright's outfit maintained their excellent form with an 86-run success against Whittington, to make it four wins and two winning draws from their last six games.

The captain said: "We have been playing well and have put together six good performances.

"There are still eight games to go and a lot to play for and all we are concerned about is trying to maintain our recent form."

Dean Lacey top-scored with 44 as Wednesbury were dismissed for 187.

Sherwin Govinder, Bal Matharu and Tom Tonks all bagged three wickets each as Whittinton were shot out for 101.