HALESOWEN suffered a five wicket defeat in their Birmingham and District League Division One opener at Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday.

The home side won the toss and put Halesowen into bat, but the visitors only managed 149 before they were dismissed in 54 overs.

Halesowen struggled to deal with Jonathan Gill, who took 3-39 from his 10 overs.

The only resistance came from Imran Ali, who made 29, and Ian Suckling (22).

In reply, Stratford scored 150-5 from 49 overs, with Australian overseas player Brian May (70 not out) and Stuart Hole (39) top scoring.

For Halesowen, bowler Laeq Chishti took 2-36 from 14 overs while Ali finished with figures of 2-49.

Halesowen took three points from the match, but captain Mark Fisher was disappointed with the performance.

He said: "After our batsmen struggled on a slow wicket, our last wicket pair put on 31 to give our bowlers something to bowl at.

"Having got Stratford three wickets down for 23 we were in with a chance, but a couple of dropped catches proved crucial and this probably cost us the match."

Their disappointment was compounded by defeat to Premier Division outfit Walmley in the Cockspur Cup National Knockout on Sunday. The side were without several regulars, and with captain Mark Fisher keeping wicket with a broken finger sustained the day before, they won the toss and decided to put Walmley into bat.

Walmley managed 236-6 from their 45 overs, largely thanks to Andy Breakspear (64), who reached his half century in 34 balls.

In reply, Halesowen made a spirited reply, with Laeq Chishti blasting 88 off 67 balls, but they fell short by 30 runs, finishing on 206-7 wickets from 43 overs.

Fisher said: "Another costly dropped catch enabled Breakspear's knock to take the game away from us, although we made a good attempt at the total and the positives we can take from the game were the promise shown by young bowlers Toukeer Salim and Arsalaan Mahmood, and a fine all round performance by Laeq Chishti."

This Saturday, Halesowen welcome Wellington to Seth Somers Park.

The club's second team fared better, beating Barnt Green in their first Birmingham and District League 2nd XI Division One game of the season.

Green won the toss and put Halesowen into bat, and they went on to make 172-9.

In reply, Barnt Green never really got going and were eventually bowled out for 60 in the 35th over, giving Halesowen a 112-run victory and a maximum 24 points from the match.

Captain Steve Baker said: "It was a difficult wicket to bat on and I was very pleased with the way we stuck to our task.

"All the bowlers did well but the form of Harry Williams in particular gives us high hopes for the season ahead."

The seconds travel to Bridgnorth this Saturday.

Old Hill made a winning start in Birmingham League Division One, gaining a maximum 24 points in a three-run victory at Shrewsbury.

Having been asked to bat first on a difficult wicket, they made a total of 214-3 with Christ Hansberry 70 making not out, Nathan Round unbeaten on 56 and Paul Lazenbury hitting 45.

They proceeded to skittle Shrewsbury for 103 in the 49th over, with Hansberry (3-20) leading the bowling attack.

The seconds also gained maximum points, scrambling to a two-run victory over Shrewsbury seconds.

The batting plaudits went to Tom Rock for his excellent 71 not out, while the hero with the ball was captain Mo Jaraid, who took 5-51.

This week the first team host Sutton Coldfield (1pm), while the seconds face Sutton Coldfield's seconds away from home.

Old Hill's first team will also play their rearranged National Knockout tie against Dunstall at Haden Hill on Sunday (1pm).