HIMLEY can now go on to escape relegation after claiming their first league win in 14 games, says skipper Greg Wright.

They beat Kenilworth by seven wickets on Saturday to claim vital points in their fight to avoid the drop from the Birmingham Premier League.

Himley bowled out their visitors for just 160 after winning the toss for the rain-affected contest. Opener Keith Bell top scored for Wardens with 43.

Stuart Wedge bagged himself a five wicket haul in the eight overs he bowled to give his side a chance of victory at Stourbridge Road.

In reply, the Himley openers of captain Wright (62) and Jamie Harris (46) soon set about securing the much-needed win.

After Wright fell from the bowling of Udit Talati, number three Nathan Round came to the crease and hit an unbeaten 42 to edge the home side to their target.

Wright now believes the win could be the start of their relegation escape.

He said: "The win now gives us hope. We have clawed some points back on those above us and it hopefully gives us an opportunity to keep that momentum going.

"There were loads of positives to take from the Kenilworth game.

"We have improved as the season has gone on and I really believe we can put a good run together to get out of trouble.

"We have seven games left and I think we can take enough point from those to avoid the drop. It will take a monumental effort but we can definitely do it.

"It was a big relief to finally get that win we have been searching for all these weeks.

Wright also praised those connected to the club who worked to get the ground playable after heavy downpours.

"We did fantastically well to get the game on," he added. "Staff and players were at the ground and doing the work needed. It was a real club effort and made the win even more satisfying."

Himley, who still sit bottom, will now take their relegation fight to Shrewsbury this Saturday.

They will have Oli Westbury available for selection after his time with the England Under 17s.