HALESOWEN bounced back to winning ways in convincing fashion with an eight-wicket win over Coventry and North Warwickshire at Seth Somers Park.

Dylan Ross-Watt (5-38) and Eddie Rhodes (4-47) starred with the ball as the home side dismissed the visitors for just 97.

Ed Kilbee then struck 54 to lift them up to fourth place in the table ahead of this weekend’s trip to C&R Hawks (noon start).

Club captain Richard Brooker was delighted with their fine victory on a busy day which saw the club host their first ever beer festival.

Brooker said: “It was a very pleasing result for the club and although the gap to the promotion places remains at 50 points we have 10 games to go, a team that’s buzzing and we have to play all the teams above us.

“So we have plenty to look forward to starting with C&R Hawks next week where we need to be bang at it.”

The club’s second XI remain rooted to the bottom of the table after a 111 run defeat to Shifnal.

Their young side were dismissed for 114 in response to 224, falling short in their bid to save the game and leaving them 35 points adrift of safety ahead of a home game with Kenilworth Wardens on Saturday (12.30).

Meanwhile, the third XI were boosted by a return to form for Chris Jones, who took 6-15 to bowl West Malvern out for just 78 and seal a 28-run victory.

Finally, the fourth XI went down at Astwood Bank, falling well short of a 331 target with a score of 227 in response.

The thirds will host Hallow CC at Earls High School on Saturday while the fourth XI head to Kempsey (both 1pm starts).