HALESOWEN Cricket Club's first team prepared for the new season with an eight-wicket trouncing of Walmley in a warm-up match.

Under new captain Alexei Kervezee the first team bowlers quickly hit their rhythm with last year’s deadly duo of Dylan Ross-Watt (2-29) and Eddie Rhodes (2-22) shaking the upper order of the Walmley batting line up before new signing Charlie Hartley (3-25) ripped out the middle order as Walmley were reduced to a measly 107 all out in 32 overs.

In reply, Hassan Quami (52 off 51 balls) put the Walmley bowlers to the sword with cameos from Hamza Ahmed (16*) and Kervezee (22*) seeing Halesowen home. Commenting on the day, Kervezee said: "It was a pleasing performance as everyone got a chance to feature in the game but we know there are tougher tasks ahead and we will need to push on but for a first game it could not have gone much better."

Meanwhile, the seconds were beaten in their game against Walmley but Jack Roberson (35) showed early signs of good form in Halesowen’s 142 all out.

The third team had a thundering win by 219 runs against Stourport.

Batting first Siddhesh Chavan (99) Mark Hutchinson (90) Tom Williams (92) and Hayden Evans (61) were the main stays in a massive total of 402-4 in 45 overs taking advantage of some short boundaries with some excellent striking and running between the wickets. In reply shell-shocked Stourport were knocked over for just 182 with Williams (3) and Calum Gutteridge, Chris Jones, Archie Reeves being the leading bowlers taking 2 apiece. The 4th team were abandoned without a ball bowled.

Halesowen's First XI will now start the campaign with a trip to Tamworth this Saturday (noon start).

The seconds host Omberseley at Seth Somers Park (12.30pm), thirds go to Kidderminster, fourths hosts Hanley Castle at Earls High (1pm) and the Sunday firsts go to Old Hill in the National Knockout.