SKIPPER Rich Brooker inspired Halesowen with the ball as they secured a welcome win over Old Elizabethans at the weekend.

Brooker was the star bowler with four wickets and with Ed Kilbee leading the batting, the eight-wicket win was never really in doubt.

It means Brooker’s men head into another home game with Eastnor on Saturday in good shape, with space developing between them and the clubs below.

Brooker said: “We took advantage of a good toss to win, taking two early wickets until a fightback from the Old Elizabethans overseas player Johann Smit.

“I thought he batted aggressively but when Dan Jeavons bowled him, a collapse followed.

“We were disappointed not to bowl them out earlier, to be honest, when we had them 112-9.

“Aggressive early batting from Johal and Kilbee took the game away from them with the score on 52 off 7 overs when the first wicket fell.

“Kilbee did well and ensured there would be no drama, finishing 77 not out off 81 balls with good support from Moseley and Shahid.

“We are all pleased with the win and hopefully now we can carry the momentum from this into Saturday’s home game with Eastnor.”

Old Elizabethans were 150 all out after 53.5 overs, a target which Halesowen were always confident of reaching with some confort.

Johan Smit top scored with 49 off 60 balls and hit 10 fours, Brooker took 4-21 from 13 overs.

Halesowen knocked off their 150 target in 28 overs with Ed Kilbee unbeaten on 77 and former skipper Faisal Shahid joined him to see them through on 154-2.

This Saturday the seconds travel to Shrewsbury in their latest league action.