THE old adage that catches win matches cost Himley dear as they were defeated at home by reigning Birmingham League champions Walsall on Saturday.

In a tightly-fought contest Himley lost the toss and were put into bat by the visitors and despite a number of batsman making starts know one was able to pass 50 and it was left to Tim Heap to hit a quick-fire 38 to ensure the hosts reached a competitive score of 241.

Walsall's reply was soon in trouble thanks to some good opening bowling by Heap and Worcestershire's Stuart Wedge.

However, two regulation catches went to ground and Himley were to go and rue these misses, with Walsall's highly rated Namibian Gerrie Snyman smashing 72 and captain Dave Middleton seeing them home with a well compiled 42 not-out.

Despite falling to an opening day loss Himley captain, Greg Wright, was pleased with his sides overall showing.

He said: "It was a good game of cricket played by two good teams on a great batting track.

"It was always going to be difficult for the side batting first and looking at our scorecard we could have done with one of our top four going on to make a big score once they had got in but it was not to be.

"We then bowled particularly well and it was unlike us to drop two crucial catches at important times in the match.

"Overal l was pretty happy with our performance and when you look back to our opening day mauling at the hands of Coventry and North Warwick last season we have started the season on a better note."

The Stourbridge Road side returned to winning ways on Sunday with a convincing home win over Stoke-based Hem Heath in the Staffs Cup.

The visitors were skittled out for 170 and the hosts cruised to a seven wicket victory thanks to a good half century from Dan Bassett.

Following last weekend's home double header Himley will be clocking up the miles as they face up to two difficult away fixtures.

On Saturday they travel to Shropshire where they will face Wellington.

Wright's men will be seeking revenge after the same side knocked them out of the Graham Williamson Cup last month.

The skipper will hoping to call upon the services of overseas star TP Singh who's expected to arrive on Friday, and Worcestershire's Richard Jones.

The Stourbridge-based all-rounder turned out for the Pears in last week's County Championship defeat at the hands of Warwickshire, so availability will depend on whether he once more gets selected for the New Road outfit.

This tough league fixture will be followed by a trip to the unknown on Sunday in the National Knockout Cup.

Himley face Derby Premier League side Lullington Park.