BATSMAN Greg Wright blasted a brilliant century to help Himley to a derby success over Old Hill last Saturday.

The opener smashed 122, including 13 fours and a six, to help his side gain ground on the three sides above them in Division One of the Birmingham and District Premier League.

The five-wicket win now pushes Himley further into the promotion picture after other results went their way.

The hosts won the toss and elected to put Old Hill into bat in front of a bumper crowd at Stourbridge Road.

Old Hill started well before opener and skipper Danny Cox fell for 24 after being trapped lbw by Arfan Khan. Khan struck again soon after to claim the scalp of Harry Baddams for 34.

The visitors continued to battle with the bat.

Monil Patel (26) and Billy Cox (34) both made starts but failed to push on. They both fell to the bowling of Stuart Wedge.

Thomas Elwell hit an unbeaten 48 as he endeavoured to help his side to a competitive total.

However, the tail failed to fire in support and Old Hill ended their 55 overs for 215-8.

In reply, Will Fraine and Chris Boroughs were the first to depart but played a key role to help Wright on his way to a big score.

He eventually fell to the bowling of Nigel Davenport and it was left to Wedge (17) and Jamie Turner (4) to knock off the runs in the 53rd over.

Chairman Gordon Lewis was full of praise for his side after they notched up a memorable double over relegation-threatened Old Hill this season.

He said: “It was a professional performance from start to finish.

“It was a good wicket and anything under 250 was too little. We knew we just had to go out and get the job done.

“Greg Wright is a very good player and batted tremendously. He has been getting back to form in recent weeks and it was only a matter of time before he put in that sort of a performance.

“It is a big local derby and there was a big crowd as well. They also have a few former Himley players in their line up.”

With the league’s second and third-placed sides, Dorridge and Smethwick, set to play each other this Saturday it means Himley could again push further towards the promotion places. The go to third-from-bottom Bromsgrove this Saturday (noon).

Lewis added: “We can hopefully take advantage of those above us playing each other. We just need to make sure we get the job done at Bromsgrove.

“We are getting closer to the promotion places and it is certainly going to be an exciting end to the season.”