Staffs Clubs latest

Promotions places have been thrown wide open in Division One after the top two and in-form sides lost their way.

League leaders Lichfield were thrashed at home by Milford Hall while second-placed Bloxwich were skittled for 87 and went down by seven wickets to Aldridge.

Indian overseas star Abshike took 6-40 for Milford to restrict the league leaders to 131 all out.

The hosts’ efforts were not helped by the fact that none of their middle order got into double figures and had it not been for their Australian import Jake Van Galen, who took 3-40 and scored 43, the leaders’ day would have been even shorter.

Milford batsman and captain Chris Millward (30 not out) helped his side recover after losing two wickets before tea before guiding his side to the target without too much further trouble.

Lichfield skipper Adam Braddock said: “It was always going to be difficult defending 130 odd.

“The result brings us right back in touch with the chasing pack and any one of six teams could win the league now.

“Milford played well, so fair play to them.

“But we are trying not to look at the table, we just have to keep winning and we will be OK.”

• Cannock and Rugeley seamer Troy Griffin was in inspired form as he took 5-41 from 16 overs against Penkridge.

But even his impressive performance had to play second fiddle to a 190 batting stand between skipper Aqil Ahmed (78) and Ashley Perry (128).

The duo came together in the first over and their efforts went a long way to deciding the game after Penkridge had posted a respectable 228-8.

• Beacon returned to the title race after they cruised to victory away at rivals Brewood.

The maximum 20 points were achieveable largely thanks to the efforts of John Sweet, who bowled 25 overs from one end for figures of 5-68, which helped reduce the hosts to 175-9 from 55 overs.

Wicketkeeper Roger Fildes (60) weighed in with his maiden half-century and all other batsmen chipped in during the reply as Beacon ended on 176-6.

• Some big hitting from the Highcroft tail helped the lowly-placed side recover from 82-6 after 24 overs to post an imposing 207 all out against Hammerwich.

Zubair (55) started the onslaught before Banu, batting at number eight, smashed his way to 76 in an innings which included three massive sixes, according to Hammerwich skipper Brian Fisher.

Despite the hosts’ tail running wild, the visitors still believed the total was achieveable given the decent wicket and the size of Highcroft’s ground.

A solid response at 67-0 from 18 overs looked to put Hammerwich in a good position, but when skipper Fisher went for 44, a mini-collapse ensued before a total capitulation saw the side crumple from 160-7 to 172 all out.

Tommy Boyd (4-63) excelled along with man-of-the-match Zubair, who added to his batting prowess on the day with a fine 3-31.

• Low scoring but high drama epitomised the day at Whittington, who lost in a thrilling finale to Wednesbury.

Having been skittled for 124 off 43 overs, with Gary Baker excelling in taking four wickets, the vistors’ batsmen underwent an equally harsh examination.

They scraped home nine down after Neil Whistance (60 not out) held the innings together.

The result took Wednesbury to within two points of Lichfield at the top of the table.

• Promotion hopefuls Bloxwich had their hopes dented by Aldridge after being bowled out for a paltry 87.

Craig Mountford was the star for the home side after he picked up four wickets from 20 overs.

Overseas Indian star Nitin Mulhotra added a brace and Chris De Witt mopped up the tail with 2-3 off two overs.

Aldridge’s batsmen were rarely troubled by a Bloxwich attack that has been performing well in recent weeks.

They knocked them off for three down after 28 overs.