Birmingham Premier League

All-rounders Nick James and Nick Warren produced a masterclass of batting to steer Knowle & Dorridge to a convincing five-wicket victory at Walmley.

James led the way with a mercurial 72no but Warren (52no) was still at the other end at the close as the league leaders made 188-5 in response to their hosts 185 all out.

The pair were also among the wickets with James taking 1-37 while Warren bagged 3-30.

Wolverhampton maintained their challenge with a six-run defeat of Kidderminster Victoria at Chester Road North.

Aneesh Kapil’s 57 took the visitors to 177-8, home skipper Jon Wright taking 4-58 to keep the Worcestershire outfit in with a shout. But they were finally undone by some fine bowling from Kapil (3-12) along with Jack Snape (4-41) and Chris Russell (3-43) and they were all back in the pavilion six runs shy of their target.

At the other end of the table, Leamington’s hopes of surviving the drop took a knock as they had to settle for a losing draw at home to fellow strugglers Walsall.

Batting first, Walsall reached 176-8 from their 55 overs, Mo Sheikh (57) the leading scorer. Tim Westwood (3-27) was the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Mark Lewis (50) and skipper Rob Williams (63) looked to have done enough to steer the home side to victory but a late collapse saw them finish four runs short with just a solitary wicket in hand.

Elsewhere, Barnt Green beat Kenilworth Wardens by three wickets, but basement boys Bromsgrove suffered a two-wicket defeat at home to Shrewsbury.

Himley cruised to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Moseley, Chris Tranter collecting the Man of the Match award for his 25 and 3-28.