Bowlers are on form as Hammerwich down Hawks

The Burntwood Road side fired out a warning to their high-flying rivals, in what looks set to be a keenly-contested battle to reach the end of season play-offs, with a tense three-wicket success.

Hawks looked on their way to posting a challenging total as they moved to 91-1 with Shropshire minor counties batsman Omar Ali in ominous form.

But Hammerwich rallied superbly with the Jennings brothers, skipper John and Craig, and South African seamer Matthew Deyzel combining to dismiss the home side for 176, with Ali top scoring with 90.

Deyzel picked up 3-61 while spinners John and Craig bagged 3-24 and 3-18 respectively.

Opener Patrick Knott led Hammerwich’s reply with a half-century but Ali picked up three wickets to help reduce the visitors to 145-7.

Deyzel (37 not out) then teamed up with Adam Watkiss to see Hammerwich over the line.

“It was probably the best result we have had so far season,” said captain John Jennings.

“But I still think there is more to come from us, especially with the bat.

“Patrick Knott is scoring a few runs but no-one else is scoring consistently. But that seems to be the case throughout the league.

“We dropped Omar a couple of times but we bowled well on Saturday and I was pleased to keep them down to 176 because they were going well at the start.”

Hammerwich tackle Pelsall on Saturday with Jennings expecting another tough game.

“Pelsall are going pretty well and it will another test,” added Jennings.

“The league is looking quite open and looking at the results so far it seems like anyone can beat anyone on their day.”