HALESOWEN’S slim promotion hopes are over after their match with Wellington was abandoned due to the poor weather.

Hasan Qaumi hit 47 for Halesowen but fine bowling spells from Wendell Wagner (4 for 23) and Dan Lloyd (3 for 28) reduced them to 136 all out in 27 overs.

Wellington were going well on 92 for one in 11.2 overs when the match was abandoned.

Skipper Alexei Kervezee gave an honest assessment following the game, saying: “We probably dodged a bullet there as had the game continued to a normal conclusion we would undoubtedly have lost.

“Last week we undone by the weather and the match officials which prevented us from being in the mix for promotion and the chain of events from that has not helped us one bit.

“Today was not our best day by a long shot and we seem to have our foot off the pedal now that promotion is out of our reach and with the last game of the season upon us.

“It’s natural, it happens in all sports but we have a responsibility as players to see it through to the end of the season.

“We have been giving young players lots of opportunities over the season and I want them to come into an environment which is a positive one rather than one that’s seeing the season out aimlessly and I will be stressing this to the lads next week that the club needs us to finish on a high.”

Halesowen host Himley at Seth Somers Park next weekend for their final match of the season.

Meanwhile, Halesowen’s second XI had a glorious day with the bat. Having struggled most of the season to build totals that put pressure on the opposition they motored to 287-9 thanks to Jack Myers (92) Tom Williams (61) and Muhammed Shauib (35) before the rains came and prevented what would barring a miracle have been a certain win against a struggling Wombourne.

They remain sixth in the table with one game to go at Shrewsbury.

The shining light of the season remains the 3rd XI who won their 14th game of the season to remain in top spot with only Alveley to play away next week.

This week’s victory saw them knock over Tenbury Wells for 154 thanks to Chris Jones (4-40) and Naim Luhar (3-18). Luhar then followed up with 90* backed by Talha Iqhlaq (56*) to complete a 10 wicket win.

A win next week will see them to the league title and a new challenge next season with the restructure of West Midlands’ cricket.

The 4ths game was abandoned without a ball being bowled, but they return to Earls High School on Saturday to face Alveley.