Coseley on a roll after downing the leaders

Jones’s charges continued their impressive return to the top flight by inflicting a first defeat of the season on leaders Beacon.

The three-wicket victory left Coseley sitting third, just 10 points behind the early pacesetters, and again demonstrated the spirit within the camp.

Jimmy Howell marshalled the successful run chase with an unbeaten half-century after Beacon had been dismissed for 155.

“To bowl them out for 155 after they had been 60-odd for one was another show of character from the lads,” said Jones.

“We came back well after the first seven or eight overs.

“And then we had to show some character with the bat.

“But it doesn’t surprise me because I know what sort of players we have here.”

Once again, Coseley’s spinners played a key role with Jamie Holmes (2-25) and Dave Stibbon (3-29) checking Beacon’s progress before Howell took two late wickets to finish with 3-28.

Opener Ashley Hartshorn hit 37, but Beacon were indebted to South African Jarrod Alberts, who delivered a couple of lusty blows in an unbeaten 36, which helped them post a competitive total.

And on a pitch that was offering plenty of turn, Alberts did his best to force an away victory with fine figures of 5-16 from 10 overs after openers Jones (20) and Carl Baker (31) had given Coseley a solid start.

But Howell curbed his natural attacking instincts to steady the ship following a clatter of wickets, gaining support from Lewis Beckett-Smith, before unleashing a late blitz to see his side home.

“When we batted, myself and Carl knew it was important to get through the first 10 overs or so,” said Jones.

“We still lost a few quick wickets after that but Jimmy batted really well and got good support from Lewis late on.

“Jimmy grafted and then when he got a few loose balls he put them away and that saw us to victory.

“With it being against the top of the league, you probably have to say it was our best result of the season.

“The spinners are making a big impact at home at the moment. Jamie, Stibo and young Lewis all bowled well again.

“The pitch offered some turn and you had to be patient. You couldn’t play out in front and leave a big gate with the ball turning. The spinners built pressure and put the ball in good areas. We are bowling well and that’s been a massive part so far this season.”

The win was Coseley’s fourth in five outings but while delighted with his side’s start, Jones isn’t getting carried away.

“We have won four out of five games and that has taken the pressure off a bit,” he said.

“It’s not like we are stuck at the bottom of the table searching for a win.

“But I am not getting carried away, there are still some areas to work on and we still have to play Brewood, Hammerwich and Whittington.

“There is still room for improvement with the bat. We still keep losing two or three wickets in quick succession and we need to address that.

“But we have started well and we will just keep on ticking along and trying to win games.”

Next up for Coseley is a trip to face a Whittington side, who are one place below them in the table.

Whittington enjoyed a comfortable victory at Aldridge at the weekend thanks to an impressive display with the ball.

Dexion Urquhart was the pick of the visiting attack with 4-14 from eight overs as Aldridge were dismissed for 96. Tom Stoten (3-25) and Sajid Nazir (2-9) were the support act while Shazad Ali (24) and William Steadman (20) provided some late resistance after Aldridge had been reduced to 42-7.

Daniel Wilks contributed 36 from the top of the order with Omar Ali making 25 as Whittington chased down their target inside 25 overs and for the loss of four wickets.