Milford left reeling after double blow

Hall suffered back-to-back defeats against Penkridge and Fordhouses and are now 40 points behind leaders Pelsall with just two games remaining and a maximum 48 points up for grabs.

Saturday’s clash with Penkridge proved to be a run-laden affair.

After being put in to bat, Milford responded by rattling up 274-7 with Ibbadat Thaman playing another starring role.

Skipper Stu Phazey (57) and Waqar Saleem (58) gave their side a good start with a 109-run opening partnership before the talented Thaman took command once more.

The youngster struck his fourth century of the summer – passing 1,000 runs in the process – ending unbeaten on 116. His runs came off just 82 balls and contained 11 fours and seven sixes.

But Penkridge’s batsmen rose to the challenge and chased down their target for the loss of six wickets.

Abdullah Awan top-scored with 61 while both Mohammed Ishtiaq and Rana Hassan made half-centuries.

More disappointment followed for Milford on Monday when they slipped to a 15-run defeat to Fordhouses.

Rob Evans took 4-29, Chris Dean 3-32 and Ejaz Nawaz 3-46 as Fordhouses were dismissed for 179. Vikai Dass top-scored with 51.

Phazey (43) and Saleem (57) impressed again at the top of the order with a first-wicket stand of 84.

But there was no support from any other home batters as Milford succumbed for 164 – Surinder Shama (4-63) and Niall Cooper (4-30) impressing with the ball.

Penkridge followed up Saturday’s win with a two-wicket success against Lichfield on Monday.

Jack Warren impressed with 77 in Lichfield’s total of 225-5.

Hasan then played the standout innings for Penkridge with his unbeaten 81 seeing them over the line with two balls to spare. Ishtiaq made 48 while Laeq Chishti followed up his three wickets with a valuable 40 batting at number eight.