EASTNOR chairman Jim Sandford believes age has caught up with the club and that is why they have sustained successive relegations.

The villagers are likely to play in the Worcestershire County League next season after dropping out of the Birmingham & District League Premier Division.

"We have got a few good youngsters coming through, but it's come to a point where the age thing has taken over and we're not quite up to the mark," said Sandford.

"We've got a lovely new pavilion and since then we've had poor results on the pitch.

"It's very difficult to put a finger on it.

"It's a great shame, but the club will go in."

Batting has been Eastnor's Achilles heel this season, with the villagers relying heavily on all-rounder Atiq Ur Rehman scoring most of the runs.

"It's been a bit of a one man show, with other people getting odd scores," admitted Sandford.

"He's been a loyal servant to our club, I think he's been here at least eight or nine years now."

Eastnor's fate was sealed following a 37 run defeat against Division Three champions Fordhouses last Saturday.

Eastnor bowled well and skittled Fordhouses out for 107, with Ur Rehman taking 3-16.

But, again their batting let them down.

Eastnor were bowled out for just 67; Mahaaz Ahmed the only player to get into double figures.

In contrast, Brockhampton are celebrating this week after making an made an immediate return to the Birmingham & District Premier League Premier Division.

The villagers were due to play Attock last Saturday, while nearest challengers Smethwick had a scheduled trip to Bromsgrove.

But both matches were abandoned, meaning Brockhampton can now longer be caught.

They will now battle Dorridge for the title, with Dorridge holding an eight point advantage going into the final round of matches this weekend.