HIMLEY had the misfortune to lose out on the very last ball of their game against West Bromwich Dartmouth following a captivating Birmingham League contest that went right down to the wire.

That was after Himley had made light of the blustery weather conditions to post a convincing total of 191 all out off their allotted 40 overs in Group Two of the Graham Williamson Trophy.

Worcestershire's Ollie Westbury struck 45 and found a willing accomplice in Callum Lea who added a further 52 as the pair put on 84 runs for Himley's second wicket.

Jamie 'Dodge' Turner kept the runs flowing with a further 22 before one time England bowler Kabir Ali applied the brake for Dartmouth by taking three for 35 while Drew Malik claimed two for 19 to help keep the innings in check.

Dartmouth didn't have matters all their own way in reply and were reduced to 58 for four at one stage as Himley bowlers Ben Robinson and Matt Jeavons both kept a tight rein on the run flow as both finished with figures of one for 22.

Kadeer Ali then turned the game back in Dartmouth's favour with a quickfire 63 off 61 balls before Ian Stevenson produced a skipper's knock to squeeze his side home on 193 for eight thanks to a critical 24 not out from just 15 balls.

The result was rough on Himley's Danny Vernon who picked up pleasing bowling figures of three for 41 from his eight over spell This victory has enabled Dartmouth to take over top spot in Group Two, while Kidderminster now lead the way in Group Four thanks to their 10 run triumph over closest rivals Halesowen.

Initially it looked as though Kidderminster's decision to bat first would backfire as they lost early wickets including the prize scalp of Worcestershire's Ben Twohig who was clean bowled by Halesowen's Luke Tulacz for just eight runs.

It was former Worcestershire opening bat and current Herefordshire Minor Counties skipper Mat Pardoe who repaired the damage with a timely 87 while Charlie Stainforth supplied a late cameo to the innings on 20 not out to help Kidderminster reach 197 for nine.

Peter Scott again proved impressive with the ball by bagging figures of three for 25 while one time Worcester and Holland star Alexie Kerveeze captured two for 36.

In reply, all of Halesowen's top order batsmen made solid starts but no-one went onto make a matchwinning score, Ryan Lockley leading the way with 36.

Chris Steele and Ben Twohig both claimed a couple of wickets but it was Liam Weston who caught the eye by conceding just 19 runs from his miserly eight over spell as Halesowen fell short on 187 for seven.

Bromsgrove had been soundly beaten in all of their five previous games to date and fared little better in their latest setback as they slumped to a six wicket reverse against close neighbours Barnt Green.

That was after Bromsgrove made an encouraging start with the bat thanks to the efforts of in-form Jayden Levitt who scored 44 while wicketkeeper Alex Milton made 63 before being run out.

But a final total of 160 for six was never going to be enough, especially against the Green's early explosive batting.

Accurate bowling by Andy Sutton, Adam Hines, Jacques Banton, Robbie Shurmer and skipper Darrel Williams all resulted with a wicket apiece.

The Green then made their customary express start in reply through Warwickshire's prolific pinch hitter Ed Pollock who plundered 46 off just 26 balls.

In contrast, opening partner Ben Chapman-Lilley played the anchor role to finish on 51 not out.

Jacques Banton chipped in with 28 while Dan Meredith added 25 not out as the Green coasted home on 161 for four in the 32nd over.

The destiny of Group Four could take a decisive turn this coming Saturday when Kidderminster clash with Barnt Green at Chester Road, Halesowen host Ombersley while Bromsgrove will be bidding to break their duck at Barnards Green.

Himley will hope to keep their fading prospects alive in Group Two when they travel to Smethwick.