A brilliant all-round display by Shiv Shukla maintained West Bromwich Darmouth's lead at the top of the Birmingham League.

Shukla, a 20-year-old offspinner who has played for India A, took five wickets and scored an unbeaten century as Himley were defeated by six wickets with almost 18 overs to spare.

Without Shukla's intervention, Himley would have run Dartmouth close. Jagbir D hillon's half-century ensured a good start with the bat, while Himley's bowlers took three early wickets in Dartmouth's reply. Shukla won support from Huw Jones (58), however, to make light of such setbacks.

Walsall continue to challenge and are perhaps the only credible championship contenders to Dartmouth. They beat a strong-looking Moseley side by 27 runs and are poised just 23 points off the top position.

Walsall were once again grateful to the contribution of their Namibian all-rounder Gerrie Snyman. Snyman is generally thought to be the fastest bowler in the League, but currently has an injury that prevents him from bowling. He continues to weigh in with the bat, however, and made 54 to help his side recover from a sticky start. Former Nottinghamshire batsman, Graeme Archer, was the other main contributor with 79.

Calum Macleod, a 17-year-old Scot with an exciting future, took the new ball on his Moseley debut, but it was two more senior Warwickshire players that took the wickets. Ian Westwood claimed three for 50 with his off-spin, while Nick Warren claimed three top-order wickets for just 37.

In reply Andy Hawkins took five for 57 as Moseley suffered a mid-innings collapse. Although Westwood (57) played well, man of the match Hawkins took five for 57 with his left-arm seamers to take his side to victory.

Defending champions Barnt Green continued their recent resurgence with a thrilling victory over Shrews-bury. Stuart Shephard (76) and Richard Wilkinson (70) were the highest scorers in Barnt Green's total of 250 for seven but Lyndon Jones took the man of the match award with five for 61 as Shrewsbury were dismissed for 245.

It was a bitter blow for bottom of the table, Shrews-bury. Although several of their batsmen made starts, none could go on to make the decisive contribution. They now find themselves more than 40 points adrift of safety and on the brink of relegation.

Kenilworth Wardens were grateful to their overseas player, left-arm spinner Shitansu Kotak, in helping them to a five-wicket victory over Coventry and North Warwick.

Although Keith Bell (54) created a solid platform for his side, Kotak's seven for 47 proved devastating. Wardens' 'keeper Eian Marillier also enjoyed a successful afternoon, completing six dismissals; two catches and four stumpings.

In reply Mitesh Patel (91) and Kotak (an unbeaten 87) paced the reply perfectly. Asif Khan's late hat-trick caused some late jitters, but with just eight needed for victory at the time, it all came too late for Coventry and North Warwick.

Perhaps the match of the day came at Station Road, where two relegation threatened sides, Knowle & Dorridge and Wellington, finished with the scores level. Zimbabwean Travis Friend scooped the man of the match award for his 108, but Mark Downes' 67 almost won it for Wellington.

At Haden Hill, Worcester-shire's Will Gifford cracked an unbeaten 113 in Kidderminster Victoria's total of 239 for four. In reply Old Hill slipped to 18 for four before former Gloucestershire left-hander James Pearson's unbeaten 63 steered them to safety.