SKIPPER Richard Brooker cited a lack of runs throughout the campaign as Halesowen's promotion bid fell just short.

Brooker's boys lost by 70 runs at Wombourne on the final day to finish fourth in Birmingham & District Division Two, 30 points shy of promoted runners-up Tamworth, writes Nigel Pearson.

Karl Quiney rattled off 70 for the hosts before Dylan Ross-West (3-30) helped Halesowen to restrict their opponents to 187 all out.

But in truth, the response never got going and opener Edward Kilbee's 21 was the highlight early on as Halesowen laboured at 52 for five.

William Barrett's 30 from as many deliveries and 23 from Wesley Griffiths threatened to turn the tide but it was all over inside 35 overs with a total of 117 as rivals Tamworth tasted victory.

Brooker said: “We kept a close eye on the Tamworth encounter and although they proved deserved victors in their game, we came up short with the bat against Wombourne. Ultimately, that has been our downfall this season.

“We will now take some time to reflect on the summer and look to go one step further next season.

“We have had some outstanding moments this season with the Canterbury Cup win, the rise of some of younger players and just last week a full house at the training sessions even this late in the season.

“It has been a joy to see. However, we have to take a leaf out of the successes of the clubs above us and learn from them.”

Meanwhile, the second team pulled off a fine win after looking set for a defeat that would have relegated them.

Chasing down Moseley’s 216 for eight in 45 overs, Halesowen stumbled to victory in a tense finale watched by a healthy crowd.

At 133 for seven with some 20 overs remaining, the drop looked likely as news broke that both Kidderminster and West Bromwich Dartmouth had won their matches.

But heroes emerged with Imran Aslam (31) following up his three wickets with a strong score and cameos from Alex Bullingham (6*) and Adam Hawker (15*) sealing victory at the death.