Chasing pack closing in on Oswestry

Having been well clear a month ago, the race for the top two places has now become too close for comfort after the Morda Road men suffered three successive defeats.

The latest of those losses was last weekend when Oswestry were edged out by one wicket in a nail-biting top-of-the table showdown against closest rivals Pershore.

They remain in pole position, but have seen their lead whittled away with Pershore now just five points behind in second spot and Halesowen – who were two-wicket winners against Old Elizabethans – trailing by seven points in third.

Just two games remain, away to fourth-placed Fordhouses tomorrow before finishing the campaign at home to lowly Wombourne the following week.

Opting to bat first, Oswestry posted a handy 226-9 in 50 overs, with skipper Robbie Clarke top scoring with 61 and Alun Morris hitting 58.

Pershore lost an early wicket in reply to Roman Walker (3-48), but rallied thanks to 78 from opener Liam Ridings.

Pakistani Paceman Sadaf Hussain (3-54) returned to pick up three quickfire wickets to set up a nail-biting finish, with Pershore just scraping over the line with one wicket and one ball to spare.

Wellington face a tough task at home to Division One leaders Smethwick as Wendell Wagner’s team look to pick up the win that could secure their survival.

But they will be boosted by the availability of Worcestershire’s Jack Shantry.

Shifnal’s victory over Wellington last weekend ensured they are safe for another year, and a trip to rock bottom Walmley offers the chance to register another win as Tom Collins’ side look to finish strongly.

Bridgnorth have a mid-table clash at Barnards Green with just two points separating the sides going into the game.