Halesowen 191-9 Barnt Green 195-5

Barnt Green won by five wickets

BARNT Green CC sealed the Birmingham and District League Premier Division championship by defeating Halesowen on Saturday. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: Barnt Green's first XI are the Birmingham and District League Premier Division champions for the 2005 season.

Back row: Paul Clarke, Gareth Williams, Roger Sillence. Kris Howes, David Wigley, Steve Williams, Polly Garrett.

Front row: Kieran Rees, Richard Hall, Richard Illingworth, Matt Dallaway, Adam Smith, Simon Froggatt.

The Green completed a season where they have came close to silverware by finally clinching some.

Victory also ended heartache for the Cherry Hill side, which had finished runners-up last season and lost the Graham Williamson Trophy and Cockspur National Knockout Cup finals this summer.

Team manager Paul Clarke praised the team's spirit for grinding out the results in one of the country's most testing club league.

He said: "The team has a real spirit and togetherness which was a big factor in winning the league.

"They socialise together and have gelled into a great set of friends as well as players.

"They are like the England squad at the moment, very tight knit."

On Saturday Green went into the game needing a win to fend off title chasing Himley, West Bromwich Dartmouth and Old Hill.

Winning the toss stand-in captain Matt Dallaway elected to bowl first.

Green restricted Halesowen to a paltry 191 in 55 overs, with bowlers Roger Sillence, David Wigley, Gareth Williams and Kris Howes sharing the wickets.

Opener Richard Hall made sure his side never looked in danger of losing the title as he struck 81. Dallaway (33) and Richard Wilkinson (23) also got amongst the runs to seal the title.

Clarke said: "Richard's been one of the best batsmen in the league for five years and he gave us the edge."

Clarke also paid tribute to captain Richard Illingworth, who missed Saturday's game because he was on a MCC tour in Canada.

The former Worcestershire and England spinner has also retired from playing to concentrate on his umpiring career.

Clarke said: "Richard's presence as player and captain has been important all season.

"On and off the field he's been a big reason why we have went onto win the league. It's great to finally win the title again."