STOURBRIDGE skipper Josh Banks admitted he was mightily relieved after snapping up a slender two wicket win over Brewood this week.

It was Stourbridge's third straight win which sends them top of Birmingham League Division Three as a result.

Banks said: "I was delighted we managed to pull the game back because Brewood were 90 without loss at one stage and to bowl them out for 169 was a great recovery.

"Yet we still managed to make things hard for ourselves in reply. We were 120 for two when panic stations started to set in.

"But Harshad Patel dug in and anchored the innings. He faced 121 balls for his 47, which was just what we needed and everyone else played around him."

Rich Bradley provided a further 43 before Banks himself saw the side home in the 47th over with his 15 not out.

Banks, who is in charge at Amblecote for the first time this season, confirmed: "The objective is to get everyone back enjoying their cricket this season after what has been a couple of disappointing years, but enjoyment and success go hand in hand.

"This season, we have strength in depth, particularly in our seam bowling department.

"We've also got a couple of lads to come in from Bromsgrove School once the term is over which, will help make us a much stronger unit."

Former Himley player Chris Tranter with 43 and opening partner Nathan Howell on 36 had given Brewood a flying start but Banks revealed: "We dropped Chris Tranter when he was on 20, but thankfully it didn't cause too much damage. Once the first wicket fell, things started to happen!

South African Jade Richter and much travelled Dan Such both claimed three wickets with their seamers with Banks adding: "Jade is quite quick and this was the best he's bowled so far this season, while Dan Such has been a real good addition after playing around the local circuit for the likes of Enville, Old Hill and Pedmore."

Stourbridge look to extend their winning streak this Saturday when they entertain fourth placed Lichfield.