BROMSGROVE were unable to stop Walsall from maintaining their promotion winning form as they claimed a four-wicket win at St. Godwalds Park.
The league leaders skittled the home side out in 42 overs, posting just 143 runs before they set about chipping away at their total.
There were a few hiccups along the way as Mark Evenson and James Ganderton both picked up three wickets to give Bromsgrove a lifeline.
But a 50-run partnership between Alex McChristie and Steven Plant ensured Walsall victory as they moved 15 points clear at the top of Division One of the Birmingham League.
After a disappointing start, with Ashley Newfield and Ryan Pedley failing to get into double figures, Lewis Cordes and Jayden Levitt appeared to steady the innings.
The pair added a combined total of 50 runs to Bromsgrove’s score, which was also boosted by Alexei Kervezee’s 28.
But two quick wickets as the hosts approached triple figures saw the tie swing in Walsall’s favour.
Despite the best efforts of Tom Hill, who hit a brisk 20 runs off 29 balls, the away side knocked down the remaining wickets to leave them needing 144 to win.
And they were a third of the way there without breaking much sweat, with Mike Hingley and James Middleton looking strong as they moved to 49 without loss.
This was where the breakthrough came with Hingley being dismissed for 28 before Middleton, Tim Maxfield and Edward Denham in quick succession.
Mark Evenson then trapped David Powles LBW to leave Walsall on 81-5 and a chance for Bromsgrove to upset the table toppers.
However, the away side soon found their form and secured victory thanks to gritty performances from Alex McChristie (36) and Steven Plant (21).
The result sees Bromsgrove slip to seventh in a very congested league, so only a couple of wins could push themselves back into the mix.
Meanwhile, the Boars’ Seconds returned to form with victory over Stourbridge.
Ben and Sam Johnson shared seven wickets, with the latter notching up a fifer on his Birmingham League debut, as their opponents were bowled out for 142.
After tea, Mark Bilbrough carried his bat for 65 with good support from Adam Jones who was undefeated on 29 as Bromsgrove reached their target with seven wickets to spare.
The Fourths also took part in a high scoring match, posting 294 with Charlie Cordes top scoring with 54.
Kidderminster made a good effort at chasing down the target before Harry Crane chipped in with four wickets for 41 to put the blocks on the run chase.
The win sees Bromsgrove leapfrog Kidderminster and move into fourth position.
