Report submitted by Worcestershire Count League

This week saw a change in the match playing regulations in the top eight divisions (Division 1 to 4 1st and 2nd XIs). The first six weeks of the season had been played under the Win/Lose/Draw format under which teams can earn points for draws by not being bowled out, etc. For the next eleven weeks the match type switches to a straight shoot-out – Win/Lose, where bonus points can still be gained but there are no points for a draw on offer – the highest total (or run rate) in a rain affected match wins the match.

The change in format seemed to suit Evesham who were asked to bat first at Walshes Meadow the home ground of current league leaders Stourport-on-Severn and amassed a match winning 310-5. Mohammed Fahim Maan led the way with 94, supported by Ali Shan (68) as they compiled a total that proved well beyond the home side to chase and help them climb in to fifth spot.

Worcester continued there excellent form as Clark Knapton took 5-31 to dismiss Chaddesley Corbett cheaply at Norton Barracks which helped to secure a comfortable win by six wickets and a season high second position.

Elsewhere, Bewdley stay in third despite losing to Hagley by three wickets at Lower Park, Cookley grabbed their second win of the season on the road against Worcester Nomads at Whitegates Farm, Pedmore made it two from two as they chased just over two hundred to win against bottom side Burghill and Feckenham moved into mid table after beating Colwall by six wickets at Stowe Lane.

In Division Two 1st XI Josh Van Rensburg showed his value with the bat for the second week running as his second half century in as many matches helped Herefordshire-based Bromyard overcome visitors Droitwich Spa by twenty three runs.

Oldswinford routed visitors Kempsey for 99 in the first innings and cruised home by ten wickets to stay in second, Coombs Wood kept up the pressure in third as they chased down Belbroughton's first innings total to win by three wickets at Hackmans Gate Lane and Bredon, thanks to a brilliant 137 from Martin Hill, beat Enville to move in to fourth place.

In other matches the two remaining Herefordshire-based clubs in the division had mixed results at home as visitors Old Vigornians gained a comfortable win at bottom of the table Wormelow and Bartestree beat Himbleton by 61 runs.

In Division Three 1st XI Alvechurch won the top of the table clash as they again batted well in the first innings to post a score that proved forty runs too many for second placed Rushwick to chase, Lye, despite the best efforts of Sam Beale who took 6-17 for Eastnor won again to stay third and Danny Lowe took five wickets to ensure Netherton stay fourth as they dismissed travelling Five Ways Old Edwardians for fifty-two in the second innings to seal an eighty five run victory.

In other matches Avoncroft returned to winning ways following last weeks abandonment as Jonathan Hunter took 5-17 to help beat Bromsgrove by five wickets, Alexander Basford hit an undefeated 88 for Martley as they beat bottom club Malvern by seven wickets and continue to show impressive form after a very wet start to the season and Ian Powick scored a half century for Harborne to set up victory against Hanley Castle & Upton despite William St Leger-Chambers’ fine undefeated 72 in response.

Following last weeks abandonment Division Four 1st XI table toppers and title favourites Halesowen returned to winning ways as Siddhesh Chavan’s half century steered them to a routine five wicket victory against Hallow Taverners at The Earls High School, Steve Randall scored a fine 108 and Edward Holland followed up with 5-13 as Romsley & Hunnington continued their impressive early season form by comfortably overcoming Himley and Muhammad Aqib took 5-23 to help Stourbridge to victory over Tenbury Wells and ensure they keep up the pressure on the top two.

In other matches Astwood Bank blew away Stourport to win by eight wickets at Hanbury, Aroon Iqbals undefeated second innings 67 steered Claverley to victory by five wickets against West Malvern who slip to sixth and in a high scoring match at Chester Road, Kidderminster thanks to fine half centuries from Harry Dickens (70*) and Tom Sherriff, 70, finished victorious after chasing down Alveley's impressive first innings 262-8 in which overseas player Brayden Lindsay top scored with 89.

This is the time of the season in all four top divisions that clubs can make a significant move as games must be won (or lost) which means it is still very much all to play for in all divisions.