A CENTURY from James Abel helped Colwall thrash Herefordshire rivals Bromyard by nine wickets IN Worcestershire County League Division 1.

Bromyard only escaped relegation due to Harvington withdrawing from the league and they have started the new campaign in the worst possible way.

Abel, who scored 11 runs off just 104 balls, was ably assisted by Tom Coleman, who finished unbeaten on 63.

Earlier, Samuel Taylor was the pick of the Colwall bowlers as he ripped through the Bromyard attack to finish with figures of 7-52.

Bromyard got off to a good start after batting first and made 66 before Sam Crichard caught and bowled James Owens.

Edd Oliver then only made two before he was trapped leg before wicket by Max Backhouse before Taylor came to the fore.

First, he clean bowled Dinusha Fernando off his first delivery before Michael Reece went in the very next delivery, lbw.

Taylor was then on a hat-trick, which did not materialise.

But it did not take home long before he got another wicket as Tom Baylis left the field before he bowled opening batsman Ian Bullock on 72.

Michael Gooch then got the wicket of George Leighton to leave Bromyard on 159-7.

Taylor then wrapped up proceedings by dismissing David Taylor, James Vince and Jamie Abell.

Colwall had no problem getting to their target, with James and Coleman in fine form.