BARNT Green Cricket Club First XI eased into the semi-finals of the inaugural Birmingham League Cup with a seven-wicket victory at Shrewsbury last Saturday.

Despite missing several regulars, Lyndon Jones' side showed good early season form to beat a keen, newly promoted Shrewsbury side to meet last season's Premier Division champions Halesowen in the last four.

The hosts batted first but Barnt Green made an immediate breakthrough with Gavin Haynes (1-9).

Wickets fell at regular intervals as the visitors made use of a helpful pitch. Impressive spells were bowled by youngster Gary Wood (1-13) and Darren Key.

Shrewsbury would have struggled even more but for the plethora of extras and naive fielding.

Spinners Jones (2-23) and Richard Illingworth (1-19) continued to turn the screw as Shrewsbury finished on 140-7 from 40 overs.

In reply, the in-form Richard Hall followed up last week's century with a polished 55 as 91 runs were added for the first wicket with captain Jones (44).

Nerves were jangled as Shrewsbury's attack applied pressure on the batsmen but 17-year-old Kieran Rees (15 not out) and the experienced Illingworth (17no) saw Barnt Green home.

Jones said: "It was a good win considering the inexperience of most of our guys and the make up of the opposition.

"Things are starting to shape up a little, although we've got a lot of work to do on our fielding and the bowlers haven't really been put under pressure yet.

"The League Cup has been a great workout before the serious stuff starts and we'll be hoping to ask Halesowen a few questions in the Semi-Final."

Barnt Green entertain Premier Division new boys Wellington in their league opener this Saturday.