STAND-IN Halesowen skipper Wes Griffiths was delighted to end his temporary stint on a high with a tense 22-run win over Cannock and Rugeley Hawks last Saturday.

A brilliant century from teenage batsman Musharraf Shazad (107) led them to a solid total of 228 all out from 55 overs.

They then put in a superb all-around bowling performance, led by overseas player Dylan Ross-Watt (3-50), to dismiss their opponents for 206 with just 5.5 overs of their reply remaining.

It was a gutsy display from Halesowen to claim 24 points and move up to fifth in the Birmingham and District League Division Two ahead of an away clash with Penkridge on Saturday (12pm start).

Griffiths, who will take a back seat again next week with the return of club captain Richard Brooker, was in jubilant mood after arguably their best win of the season.

“‘What a great victory,” said the ecstatic stand-in skipper, Griffiths.

“I can’t remember one ever feeling so sweet. We showed some unbelievable character to come back from some difficult positions all the way through the game.

“Will Barrett (48) once again got us off to a positive start but we lost wickets at regular intervals and found ourselves in some difficulties.

“But the way Musharraf Shazad batted was incredible, for such a young lad especially. He was backed up by Jack Patchett whose 38-ball one not out was brilliant and allowed us to put on another 60 runs which ultimately was the difference.

“We then showed some incredible fight with the ball. Took wickets at important times. Dylan Ross-Watt (3-50) again bowled with some aggression and pace.

“He was backed up by Will Barrett (2-41) initially and then Eddie Rhodes (4-41) came back with a brilliant second spell to pick up four wickets.

“It was a really good team effort and hopefully the momentum can keep going through the next few weeks.”

Meanwhile, the second XI saw their poor form continue with a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Kidderminster.

They were struggling with player unavailability and injuries as they collapsed to 101 all out, despite a determined half-century from Jhujar Johal.

Their opponents had no trouble chasing their victory target for the loss of just three wickets, and they will now aim to get back to winning ways at home against Knowle and Dorridge on Saturday (12.30pm).

The third XI also suffered a defeat, with good knocks from John Aston (55) and Callum Gutteridge (42) not enough to see them chase down a total of 236 against Bromsgrove.

They will host Himley on Saturday (1pm start), while the fourth XI will return to action at Himley (1pm) after a weekend without a fixture.