Beacon determined to make amends
Skipper Matt Tonks believes Beacon have learned from last year's heartbreak following their thrilling victory over Milford that saw them move top of the Staffs Clubs Championship.
The two title contenders clashed on Saturday with a 105 knock from Milford's Zaheer Suliman helping his side rattle up a commanding total of 274 runs from 50 overs.
But opener Roger Fildes hit top form with another century to give Beacon hope .
The rest of the team chipped in to ensure they they reached their target with just three balls to spare and sending Milford down to third.
The result means Beacon returned to the top of the table following the disappointment of last season – when they narrowly missed out on the title on the final day.
Tonks said: "It's great to be top again but we were in this position last year and we know we have to take each game as it comes.
"If anything I do think last season was a positive experience and we have learned from our mistakes. But there is no pressure on us – we are a young, home-grown team.
"Saturday was a cracking game worthy of two teams battling it out and the top of the table. We had a big score to chase but we bat deep.
"Maybe last year we wouldn't have been strong enough to win but now we are."
Elsewhere in the division, Cannock moved into in second place after a rain interrupted victory over Hammerwich.
The hosts were all out for 162 with the delay seeing Cannock given a revised target of 146 which they achieved in 35.5 overs. Brian Barnard top scored with 47.
Pelsall registered an emphatic home victory over Whittington. A 116 not out from Todd Henderson guided the team to 273 in 49 overs.
Whittington were then dismissed for 97. Swindon secured victory at Penn after notching 220-5 from 40 overs. In reply, Penn could only manage 118-3 from an allotted 22 overs.
Basement club Bloxwich tasted defeat yet again after being bowled out for 141 by Aldridge. Alistair Lawrie's side then hit their target with eight wickets still intact.
Walsall YPF's trip to Wednesbury was abandoned. This weekend, Beacon entertain Wednesbury, with Cannock taking on Milford.
Penn host Aldridge, Swindon welcome Pelsall and Walsall YPF face Bloxwich. Hammerwich, meanwhile, travel to Whittington.
