was enjoying his best weekend with English club Halesowen.

Gibbons scored 98 and then claimed six for 48 from 15.4 overs with six maidens as Halesowen handed Barnt Green, champions in the Birmingham Conference League for the last three seasons, their first loss.

But the win was marred by an lbw decision against Gibbons which prevented him from becoming the first batsman in three years to score a century against the champions.

In the Birmingham league each club travels with its own umpire and it was the Barnt Green umpire who adjudged Gibbons out when he was caught on the front foot. "I was in line but well forward,'' reflected Gibbons.

Halesowen declared at 243-4 soon after Gibbons' dismissal and then dismissed their opponents for 193 to win by 50 runs and extend their record to three wins, two draws and a loss.

They now lie fifth in the 22-team league with Barnt Green remaining on top.

"This is the highest the club has been in a long time,'' said Gibbons. "It's a big boost for the club to beat the league champions.'' Gibbons hit four sixes and 13 fours in a knock that lasted just 78 balls.

"There was a bit of dashing going on,'' he admitted. "The wickets here are so true that you have time to play your shots. I find myself hooking and pulling a lot.'' While Bailey's Bay were beating Western Stars in Sunday's Camel Cup final, Halesowen had their match with Evesham rained out after just four overs.

"When I heard about the win I was so excited,'' said Gibbons, whose comments last week about some of the senior Bay players not showing commitment annoyed team-mate Charlie Marshall.

"I didn't mean to get under anybody's skin but I was really concerned. I congratulate the team and give special congratulations to Charlie for his innings.'' Gibbons expects to return in July to help in Bay's defence of the Eastern Counties Cup against Flatts.