WORCESTERSHIRE Academy got off to a winning start when they were finally able to launch their 2018 campaign as they defeated Warwickshire under 19s by six wickets at Barnt Green.

Skipper Jack Haynes hit a rapid 92 as the academy chased down a 185 target with more than 10 overs to spare.

Worcestershire’s entire early-season programme had been wiped out by the weather but their bowlers quickly settled into the groove.

Riecko Parker-Cole and Bilal Hussain both picked up two wickets while England under 19 bowler Adam Finch dismissed the Bears' leading scorer and opener Robert Yates for 58.

Warwickshire reached 101-2 at one stage but were never allowed to flourish and five other bowlers also picked up a wicket apiece in dismissing them for 184 in 46.4 overs.

Haynes got the academy innings off to a flying start and struck three sixes and 12 fours in his 88-ball knock.

He shared in an opening stand of 110 with Charlie Clist (48) and added a further 48 with Jujhar Johal before falling at 158-2.

Worcestershire lost two more wickets but Zain Ul-Hassan (19 not out) saw them home after 39.1 overs.