RUTHLESS Brockhampton kept their survival hopes alive with a five-wicket victory over fellow strugglers Wellington thanks to the bowling of James McIlroy.

The 24-year-old opening bowler made an immediate impact taking the second wicket with only six runs on the board.

With fellow bowler Toby Abernethy (3-23) ripping through the top order McIlroy took the last five wickets with just 10 runs scored and Wellington all out for 49.

“Seven wickets for 19 from 12 overs is my best bowling figures ever, said seam bowler McIlroy.

“We bowled in the right areas, made them play and took all our chances. I opened the bowling and found the right pace and got the rewards. Once we got through the top order and the established batters, they crumbled and we took full advantage of it.”

Wellington were equally as effective on the Brockhampton wicket and the hosts fell to 4-2 before Joe Critchard added 13 before Chris Powell’s unbeaten 21 helped them reach their target 50-5 off 13 overs.

The win brought Brockhampton to six points from safety but with the visit of table-toppers Kidderminster this weekend.

“It was a really good day but we need to get another win and hopefully we can climb up the table,” added McIlroy.

“It was one we had to win to stay in that battle and we need to pick up as many points as we can. We have suffered bad luck at times this season or things haven’t come off the way we wanted.”