WHO wouldn't like the chance to bowl a fast cricket ball at a politician? Well, Halesowen Cricket Club had just that opportunity recently.

The Grange Road club were invited to take on the Lords and Commons XI by cricket-mad Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris.

Inspired by England's recent World Cup winning heroics, the Halesowen side claimed a comfortable 85-run win at Chiswick House.

Wesley Griffiths (68 not out) was the star of the show as Halesowen hit 226-8 before Shaz Gill shone with the ball.

The off-spinner spun a web the Parliamentarians could not disentangle themselves from, taking five wickets for just eight runs as the hosts were dismissed for 141.

Mr Morris top-scored with 56 for the Lords and Commons team who fielded one other MP - Bob Blackman - along with Parliamentary aides and staff.

And Halesowen's Richard Cox - the club's league and county board delegate - wants Mr Morris to sign up after seeing him channel his inner Ben Stokes and hit a big six during the match.

Richard said: "He played really well and we hope to see him turn out for HCC at some point."

New Prime Minister Boris Johnson is among the members of the Commons squad but, perhaps unsurprisingly, he did not feature, having rather more pressing matters to hand.

Away from the cricket pitch, the club's players, dignitaries and sponsors were treated to a special behind-the-scenes Parliament tour as the House held session prior to the summer recess.

It was the first time in 12 years that the club had travelled to London, having previously played at Lords in a celebratory game against Cross Arrows CC.

Richard added: "It was a great opportunity for the club to celebrate cricket in this year of the World Cup and the Ashes by holding this event.

"It was also a day of true recognition for the club's representatives, players and sponsors Big Pet Store.

"We are enormously thankful to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), The Lords and Commons as well as Gary Sambrook in James’ parliamentary office for providing us with this opportunity."

Mr Morris said the Lords and Commons Cricket Club - which dates back to at least 1850, making it one of the oldest clubs in the world - had been delighted to host Halesowen.

He said: “Sport is a big part of Halesowen and Rowley Regis with many local people taking a keen and active interest in local clubs and facilities.

"It was fantastic to welcome Halesowen Cricket Club to Parliament and then for a game against the Lords and Commons Cricket Club.

"Halesowen Cricket Club demonstrated an excellent level of cricket and comfortably took the win, however I was pleased with hitting six off the captain!”

Both sides hope to repeat the game in 2020, hopefully giving Mr Johnson plenty of chance to keep his diary free this time.