Hammerwich still hopeful of gate-crashing title race

John Jennings’ side have charged up the table to fifth on the back of a four-game winning streak – the latest of which saw them beat Cannock by 33 runs.

And while they are still rank outsiders in the Premier Division title chase, Jennings hasn’t given up hope with his side facing Aldridge on Saturday before heading to Pelsall the following week.

“Things didn’t go as well as we would have liked or expected at the start of the season but we are going well at the moment,” said Jennings.

“We have won four games on the spin and things have started to click.

“The next couple of weeks will probably decide things.

“Pelsall are at Beacon on Saturday and then we go to Pelsall the following weekend.

“Obviously we need to win on Saturday and we want Beacon to beat Pelsall. Then if we could beat Pelsall the folllowing week that would bring the gap down to around 30 points. When the league goes back to win, lose or draw cricket you can pick 24 points up for a win so things could still change.”

Jennings made an unbeaten 36 while Andy Malkin (42), Craig Jennings (40) and Ben Traat (39) were also among the runs as Hammerwich made 204-8 at Cannock.

Stephen Blews impressed with the ball, picking up 3-23 from his 10 overs to help dismiss Cannock for 171. Craig Jennings and Tom Rayne both bagged two wickets.

Penn cashed in on Cannock’s defeat to climb back into third place on the back of a four-wicket success away to Walsall YPF.

Dan Smith, Matthew Ansell and Mark Green all took three wickets each as hosts Walsall were fired out for 103.

Amun Samra then played the key role with 64 to see Penn across the finish line. Rafakat Hussain took 4-23 for Walsall.

Wednesbury proved too strong for basement boys Swindon.

Omar Ali (98) and Ranvir Singh (48) helped Wednesbury to 286 before Mohamed Gharaiya claimed 3-35 as the hosts fell for 164. Paul Wale top scored for Swindon with 58.