Moeen Ali probably does not know whether to celebrate or mope at present.

The last few weeks have seen him lose the England Under-19 captaincy and his place in the Warwickshire first team. But it also seen him record his first century for the Warwickshire second team and put together a string of fine performances in the League.

Nobody has ever doubted Moeen's talent, and the signs that he is adding consistency to his flair are welcome indeed. As eminent a judge as Bishan Bedi remarked last week that he should be playing for England within a couple of years and in current form it is not hard to see why.

It was Moeen's fluent 87 that hastened West Bromwich Dartmouth to a nine-wicket victory at Moseley on Saturday. Though Pardeep Virdee (61) and Keith Piper (62) helped the hosts to a respectable total, man of the match Moeen and and former Worcestershire batsman Har-shad Patel (87 not out) breezed to their target with eight overs remaining.

They were unable to shake off the challenge of Walsall, however. Walsall were few people's pick as potential challengers before the start of the season, but they picked up their sixth outright victory on Saturday and, along with Dartmouth, have now built some gap between them and the chasing pack.

Half-centuries from man-of-the-match Paul Baker (73) and former Nottinghamshire batsman Graeme Archer (51) provided the bulk of their total, before Himley's batsmen folded meekly to be dismissed for just 106. Paul Wicker was the main wicket-taker with four for 22.

Early July it may be, but Shrewsbury already appear d oomed. Their fortunes showed no sign of improve-ment as they slipped to their seventh loss of the season. Ninety-five from Ed Foster, in his first game of the season, and 66 from Miller helped them post a competitive 248.

But an unbeaten century from Scott Stenning (108), supported by 52 from Eian Marillier, helped third-placed Kenilworth Wardens to a four-wicket victory with three balls to spare.

It may be too late for a Barnt Green to stage a credible defence of their title, but the champions do appear to have found their form at last.

A fine unbeaten century from man of the match Stuart Shephard (120 not out) made light of Wellington's 196 and helped Barnt Green to their third win of the League season. Wellington, second bottom, and 40 points adrift of the next highest team, were bolstered by 53 from Tim Hancock, but are now deep in trouble.

Old Hill and Knowle & Dorridge began the weekend just one point apart, but an outstanding display of seam

bowling from Laeq-urRehman, and some sensible batting from his brother Atiq, saw Old Hill go clear of their mid-table rivals in a close-fought encounter.

Rehman took six for 48, illustrating great stamina and skill in hot conditions by bowling 17 overs and working his way through the K&D line-up.

Although Kevin Bray made 53, it was the late resistance of lower-order batsman Mike Palmer (50) that almost proved crucial, however. Palmer's effort helped his side pass 200 and, helped by incisive spells from Travis Friend (four for 31) and former Warwickshire seamer Eliott Wilson (four for 52) took their side within two two wickets of victory. Atiq Rehman, with a brisk 65, ensured the points went to Old Hill, however.

Seven wickets between Miles (four for 54) and Bayliss (three for 47) ushered Kidderminster Victoria to a 31-run over Coventry and North Warwicks despite a spirited innings from Stuart Hopkins.

Kidderminster's total of 216 all out was far from unbeatable. Jonathan Wright (54) and Josh Knappett (47) were the mainstays, but four wickets from Khan kept their innings in check.

Coventry's reply was soon in disarray, however, and though Hopkins (67) fought back bravely, he lacked support from his colleagues. ..SUPL: