WOOLHOPE coasted to an eight wicket win over Kington on Saturday in the GB Liners Marches Premier League, steadying themselves away from the bottom of the table after a shaky start to the season, writes Chris Stonadge

Kington, the hosts, won the toss and elected to bat. Tight bowling from both Woolhope openers restricted them, with Caleb Kent (25), Paul Smith (23) and Duncan Morgan (31) all making starts.

Hugo Bernard Pullen, the first change, then produced a remarkable display of economical bowling, finishing with figures of 3-1 from seven overs. The unbeaten eighth wicket partnership of 52 from Bryan Kirkham and Sam Roberts ensured Kington finished competitively on 167-7.

Woolhope lost Pullen (13) early on, but the onslaught from Jack Price (63) and Ben Owen (55*) saw them home with 12 overs to spare.

Elsewhere in the Marches Premier League, Luctonians and Garnons picked up victories chasing over Wormelow and Fownhope Strollers. Garnons’ Paul Williams struck a marvellous 110 to deny Wormelow the chance to level with Luctonians at the top of the league.

Wormelow’s second side picked up victory, however, with captain Dave Bannerman (123*) the mammoth contributor to their 183 run-chase against Glangwryney. Abergavenny and Brockhampton also won, with Ross-on-Wye falling just short to Canon Frome.

Ross had won their previous four games chasing down modest targets, meaning many of the middle order had not been required to bat a great deal. The lack of practice in the middle showed, as seven failed to score more than five runs, including three with ducks. In contrast, Angus McIntyre held his end, finishing on 75* - helping Ross to 143-8. They fell 103 runs short.

In the Worcester Leagues, it was a mixed afternoon for Herefordshire sides. Colwall were bowled out for just 64 in response to Redditch’s 132, and Brockhampton were beaten by three wickets by Old Hill.

Bromyard did pick up a tight ten run victory over league leaders Stourbridge, though, with George Godsall’s 79 from 72 deliveries the key in their 246. George Bouston picked up 4-20 in response. Bromyard sit fourth, with Brockhampton and Colwall in lower-mid-table.