Champions Walsall resumed where they left off in 2008 as they began the new Birmingham League season with a win.

Walsall skipper Paul Wicker led from the front with 5-33 in bowling out Walmley for 106 at Gorway in response to the home side's 186 (Mo Sheikh 37).

Knowle and Dorridge were the day's only other maximum points winners, beating Leamington at home by 79 runs.

David Smith (83) and Alec Baker (50) led the way in K&D's 236-6 before Leamington slumped to 157 all out.

Barnt Green hung on for a narrow one-wicket win at home to newly repromoted Shrewsbury.

Worcestershire youngster Ed Foster hit 73 in Shrewsbury's 189 (Stephen Bevan 4-42). But, after slumping to 60-5, another off-duty Worcestershire player, Gareth Andrew (52) saw his side home.

Across the border in Staffordshire, Wolverhampton also won by just one wicket in another equally exciting finish at Himley.

Chris Russell took 5-49 as Himley were bowled out for 163, skipper Greg Wright last man out for 52.

But then the new regulations restricting bowlers to no more than 17 overs played a part.

NEXT SATURDAY's GAMES Bromsgrove v Moseley, Kidderminster Victoria v Barnt Green, Leamington Spa v Himley, Shrewsbury v Walsall, Walmley v Kenilworth Wardens, Wolverhampton v Knowle & Dorridge (9 May, 1200 BST)

Tim Heap was bowled out after taking 5-40, Danny Bowyer's 53 kept Wolves in the game. And the visitors kept their cool to win with just two balls left.

Another top Worcestershire performer was Imran Arif, who took 6-49 to set up Kidderminster's four-wicket win at Moseley.

Home skipper Huw Jones top scored with 63 as Moseley were bowled out for 142.

Top flight newcomers Bromsgrove drew with Kenilworth Wardens in their first Premier League game.

Scott Stenning hit 47 as Wardens posted 172-9, Nick Husbands and Tom Friend each taking three wickets.

But the prolific Shitansu Kotak then took 4-41 as Bromsgrove were limited to 147-8 in reply.

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