Beacon battle to victory on tough day for batters

Last season’s title winners battled to a four-wicket success in testing batting conditions at Brewood to move with six points of the table-toppers.

Brewood old-boy Dan Vernon returned to haunt his former side by picking up 5-32 to help bowl them for 86.

The hosts had been put under early pressure thanks to superb spells from Beacon’s new-ball pairing of Ollie Green and Matt Cartwright.

The duo each bowled nine overs unchanged with Cartwright picking up one wicket for the cost of just two runs and Green ending with 1-12.

The league’s leading wicket-taker Vernon then added to his impressive tally for the summer, while William Marsh top scoring with 28.

But Beacon were then struggling in replying as Dan Smith ripped out the top five with just 32 on the board.

A run-a-ball 20 from Jason Swan started the recovery before Roger Fildes (27 not out) guided then home.

Beacon will now be looking to make home advantage count when they host Whittington on Saturday and Hammerwich on Monday.

“It’s going to be a good finish to the season,” said skipper Dan Green.

“Pelsall are still in the box seat and Milford are also in with a shout.

“Every side in the division have a few match-winners so there could still be a few late twists.

“It was a hard-fought win on Saturday. Our opening bowlers bowled really well and then Dan followed that up.

“But Dan Smith is a top performer and bowled superbly and at 32-5 I was pacing about nervously.

“Swany played a key little innings and then Roger and Tom Bingham got us over the line.”

Penkrigde eased to a nine-wicket win against Wombourne.

In a clash reduced to 36 overs per side, Matt Poutney’s 33 not out helped Wombourne to 115-8. Samuel Smith picked up 3-29.

A blistering 90 not out from 55 balls from Ishaq Mohammed then saw Penkridge home inside 18 overs.

Sam Cottrill was the standout performer as Lichfield beat Cannock by 54 runs.

Adam Braddock made 49 as Lichfield were dismissed for 105. But that total proved more as Cannock fell for 51 with Cottrill taking 4-3.

The clash between C&R Hawks and Fordhouses was washed out.