Himley have it tough against formidable foes
Captain Greg Wright admitted Himley probably will not face a tougher test this season after being knocked out of the Graham Williamson Trophy by Shrewsbury.
The Stourbridge Road club were comfortably beaten by 137 runs on their own patch, against a visiting side who are likely to challenge for the Birmingham League Premier Division title this season.
And ahead of his own team's campaign in Division One, Wright saw it as a useful run-out.
He said: "We came across the toughest possible opposition we could have had.
"I'm not sure Shrewsbury will be able to put out quite as strong a side as that all year, certainly if they do it will take a superb team to stop them in the Premier Division.
"It was the kind of big challenge we needed and despite the score, it was a useful run-out.
"We were really good in the field and we have to see it as miles in the legs for the bowlers and time out in the middle for the batters."
Worcestershire youngster Joe Leach's knock of 85, from 68 balls, ensured the visitors would rack up an imposing score of 278-7 from 40 overs.
Himley's chase was always likely to be nominal but there were encouraging performances from Stuart Wedge, who hit 41, and Mike Jones, with 38, in their total of 141-7.
Himley face West Bromwich Dartmouth in the Williamson Plate competition next week, after last season's Premier Division champions lost by 74 runs to Wolverhampton.
Walsall beat Sutton Coldfield, while Kidderminster Victoria went down by 14 runs at Barnt Green.
