OFF-SPINNER Ben Griffiths helped himself to five wickets as Cleobury Mortimer made a winning start in Division Three of the Worcestershire County League.

They were eight-wicket victors at Alveley, removing the home side for 227 in 45 overs and then knocking off the runs in 33 overs.

Griffiths (five for 67 off 12 overs) was backed up with the ball by veteran Grant Carbines (2 for 37) and debutant Sam Evans (2 for 39) after Cleobury had won the toss and elected to field.

Opener Will Rodenhurst (122) hit a first-day century for Alveley, but he was offered little support on what was a decent wicket with a quick outfield.

Cleobury then cruised home with both James Manley (60 not out) and Craig Shorter (63 not out) contributing unbeaten half-centuries after opener Griffiths had followed up his five-wicket haul with 43 as he helped Carbines (19) construct a solid opening stand.

Cleobury 2nds also opened with a comfortable victory, with Oliver Rowlands starring with 76 in a 59-run success over Barnards Green 4ths. They made 224 all out and then dismissed their opponents for 165.

Tenbury, whose warm-up with Luctonians last weekend was called off, start their Worcestershire League Division Five programme this Saturday at home to Enville.