ON a slightly overcast afternoon, Eastnor won the toss and elected to bowl first in this Worcestershire County League division one game.

EASTNOR 1st XI v ASTWOOD BANK 1st XI

The visitors made a slow but steady start, reaching 18 in the ninth over when Adeel cleaned up Jagieski. Eastnor did not have to wait long for the second wicket as Ishtiaq had Melliard trapped lbw in the 14th over with the score on 25.

Faisal was then introduced into the attack alongside veteran Jim Sandford. A steady fall of wickets followed and with some good support bowling, the visitors were finally dismissed for 113 in the 46th over, managing little more than 2.5 runs per over. Faisal finally ended up with 5-17 off his 12 overs.

Eastnor started their reply in fine style with Adeel and Jabran putting on 53 for the first wicket, which fell in the 13th over with Adeel out for 20.

Atiq then joined the party and immediately set about the spinners. Another 50 partnership followed before the fall of the second wicket with the score on 103 after 26 overs, Atiq finally out for a fine 36.

Eastnor's star all-rounder Josh Emery went in and smashed two 4s, but had to leave it to his more experienced father, Steve, to get the winning run.

A fine performance by the villagers, with Jabran ending up on 34no and Eastnor getting 20 points taking them to the top of the league table.