Eastnor seconds made the long journey to Alvechurch in this Crusader Worcestershire County League division one game and batted on a hard wicket.

ALVECHURCH & HOPWOOD II v EASTNOR II

Progress was slow with tight bowling from the lively home team opening pair of Scott and Fisher, the latter getting maximum assistance from the pitch and in the tenth over made the breakthrough having Mark Wildig caught off a ball that reared from just short of a length. Scott Roberts returned fresh from his trip to Sweden with Ledbury Swifts and was quick to attack the bowling in a short but eventful knock of 36 that bought much needed momentum to the innings.

Dave Jones came to the wicket and continued with free flowing shots to all parts of the field and with opener Simon Astbury put on a quick 40 runs before Astbury fell for 23. A weary Tom Hurrell (11) returning from a trip to South Africa was still suffering the effects and was quickly dismissed.

A bright partnership of 63 between Dave Jones (56) and Jon Peplow (48no) sought to put Eastnor towards a decent total.

After their 50 overs they reached a total of 209 about 35-40 runs short of what would have been a competitive total.

The Alvechurch opening pair of Scott and Payton were quick to seize on anything short or wide and made the most of a quick outfield and short boundary. A couple of half chances went down and the now benign wicket allowed them to score freely.

The Eastnor bowlers were in for a tough time with Scott taking control. With some fine shot-making he quickly rattled up his half-century and looked in no trouble, well supported by the veteran Payton who also reached his half century with ease.

It was not until the partnership had reached 160 that Eastnor made a breakthrough with Payton (72) being trapped lbw by Steve Large (2-65) the pick for Eastnor.

Scott (123no) soon reached his century and guided Alvechurch towards the Eastnor total, but not before Adam Reynolds took a steepling catch to dismiss Gilmour.

Ewyas Harold v EASTNOR III

EASTNOR thirds finished their Flint & Cook Marches division five league programme with a 103-run defeat at promotion-chasers Ewyas Harold.

Eastnor's defeat may be their relegation, depending on Almeley's match against Hereford seconds.

Eastnor fielded six 14 years and under players in this match, together with two of their older players being late through work duties, skipper Taylor won the toss and reluctantly fielded.

The home side posted 188-7 with Kiwi Corey Wright hitting 43.

In reply, Eastnor were struggling at 67-8 after a good start by Ralph Taylor (12) and Adam Mctear (18) .

Skipper Taylor hit a swift 23 but the writing was on the wall when he became Davies' fifth victim.