Draw cuts Dartmouth's lead at the top

Half-centuries from skipper Kadeer Ali (64), Zeeshan Arif (58) and an unbeaten 69 off 46 balls from Aqsad Ali put the leaders in a dominant position at Sandwell Park, as they made 270-6 from 55 overs.

But they were unable to dismiss the visitors, thanks in part to rain which removed seven overs.

Walsall, 73-5 at one stage, finished on 171-8 as skipper Paul Byrne (37) and Jack Biddulph (47) dug in.

The draw saw Dartmouth's lead cut to 13 points, as rivals Berkswell took victory against Brockhampton.

Walsall's six points from the draw kept them in the bottom two although they remain above Himley, who salvaged the same number of points from a comprehensive losing draw at Shrewsbury.

Kidderminster Victoria also remain in trouble after an eight-wicket defeat at Kenilworth Wardens.

Wolverhampton's hopes of winning Division One faded after a losing draw at Harborne, despite a fine knock of 87 from Wasim Jaffer.

Their chief concern over the final six games will be hanging on to second behind leaders Ombersley, with both Wellington and Bromsgrove within six points.

Smethwick are also within striking distance despite an eight-wicket defeat to the division leaders, while Old Hill slipped back after a losing draw at Oswestry.

Bottom club Wombourne claimed just their second win of the season at home to Moseley but are 45 points from safety.

Penkridge's winning draw with Halesowen kept them clear of the chasing pack in second place in Division Two, while their opponents remain bottom.

Third-placed Stourbridge are still in with a shout of promotion after an eight-wicket triumph at Old Elizabethans, while Brewood drew at Leamington.

In Division Three, Streetly lost ground on Stratford after an eight-wicket loss at Bridgnorth, while a winning draw for Hawkins Cannock and Rugeley against Fordhouses took them to within touching distance of the top two.

Struggling Milford Hall scored a big win at Newport, while Penn look doomed after crashing at Astwood Bank.

By Matthew Maher