Alvechurch and Hopwood 221-8 Knighton-on-Teme 187-6

CHASING a large target, Knighton made a disastrous start by losing their first three wickets in three overs, but still held out for a losing draw at home in Division 5 of the Worcestershire League.

Alvechurch were themselves in trouble when they batted first, but a quick-fire 50 from Dean Smith and a 90 run partnership for the seventh wicket enabled them to reach 221-8 in their allotted overs. Mark Evans finished with 3-32 whilst John Griffiths and Tom Whistance weighed in with two apiece.

From 10-3 after three overs the score limped along to 43-5 before a 102 run partnership between Robin Cadle and Tim Gasch (25) helped to save the day for the home side.

Gasch was out with just six overs to go leaving Griffiths (18no) and Cadle (89no) to lead the side to safety at 187-6, still 35 runs short of their target but enough to claim a losing draw.