Barker proves a handful; BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE.

Byline: Nick Pullen

KEITH Barker took five wickets to help Knowle and Dorridge tighten their grip on the Premier Division title.

Warwickshire's Barker claimed five for 32 as the Station Road side skittled rivals Kenilworth Wardens for 112. Only opener Eian Marillier offered much resistance with 48 as former Bear Nick James took four wickets.

The leaders required 50 overs to reach 133 for seven, Danny Vernon taking four for 32.

The result left K& D 44 points clear of Wolverhampton, who with just four games left are the only realistic challengers.

Wolves were 79-run winners over bottom side Leamington Spa. Mike Smith struck 70 and Worcestershire's David Wheeldon added 67 as Wolves reached 231 for seven before bowling out Leamington for 158.

Richard Howitt took five for 43.

Walsall had the better of their bottom-of-the-table battle with Bromsgrove to leapfrog them and out of the bottom two.

Promising teenager Tim Maxfield struck his maiden ton with 119, towards the champions' 232 all out.

Bromsgrove refused to budge in reply and reached 201 for six as Shaun Levy struck 87 not out.

Moseley suffered a nine-wicket mauling by Shrewsbury after being bowled out for 106, while Barnt Green did even worse with 72 against Walmley.

Hamza Nadeem claimed six for 17 while Paul Griffiths picked up the remaining wickets to fall.

Kidderminster Victoria skipper Jonathan Wright also took six wickets to remove Himley for 213.

Matt Pardoe then plundered 84 as Kiddy reached 217 for three with ten balls to spare.