OLD Elizabethans cruised to a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Birmingham League Division One side Halesowen at the Memorial Ground in their final warm-up game.

The hosts won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first on a pitch that looked like it would offer some assistance to the bowlers.

This decision seemed to be vindicated when Matt Sprague (1-33) bowled dangerous opener Ishtiaq with the score on just 12.

However, when Mapstone (43) was joined by Suckling (34), the pair moved the total on to 40 off just six overs.

But OEs pegged Halesowen back and Ollie Griffiths (3-29) did most to frustrate the batsmen with a spell of miserly bowling, including six consecutive maidens. Stuart Phillips took 2-29.

Matt Pardoe (35) offered resistance as Halesowen closed their 45-over innings on 147-6.

Jamie Boyle (79 not out) and Andy Hemming (51) took OEs to within nine runs of the target with a 139-run opening partnership in 32 overs.

Boyle hit the winning runs with 12 overs to spare.

OEs travel to Kington on Sunday for a national knock-out competition.

The thirds' first match in Worcestershire League Division Three proved to be a tough one against relegated Belbroughton.

Both teams produced fine cricket but the docile surface proved to be the winner as neither side could force a win.

Belbroughton managed 232-8 with Tom Oliver (59) top-scoring before he drilled a simple return catch to Chris Pearman.

They looked well placed at 107-2 from 20 overs but squandered their chances with injudicious shots. The resilient Ed Ford claimed 2-62.

Dave Truby fell early on for OEs and Chris Dale followed with the score on 26.

Pearman (33) and Phil Slade (69) steadied the innings with a watchful partnership against tight bowling.

Jon Sprague added 29 but OEs held on for an eight-point losing draw with 198-7.