TENBURY Wells thrashed Stourbridge 3rd to tighten their stranglehold on top spot of the Worcestershire County League Division Five.

Zack Yarranton’s side cruised to an eight-wicket win over the only side to have beaten them this season to move what could be a crucial 26 points clear of West Malvern who are now their closest challengers after an impressive nine-wicket victory over Hallow, who drop to third.

Despite seven first-team regulars being unavailable due to attending a stag do, Yarranton was still able to field a strong starting 11 and one which was, bowling-wise at least, virtually up to normal strength.

Yarranton said: “We were without a spinner but the fact we are back to win, lose draw cricket meant we got away with it as two bowlers could bowl 17 overs.

“It was a very pleasing win and if we can beat West Malvern this weekend at home that should be promotion virtually done and dusted and I can chill out a bit as the pressure has never really eased.

“The other teams in the top four still have to play each other so will take points off each other.”

Stourbridge’s decision to bat first clearly backfired as they were bowled out for 119.

Yarranton took 4-13 including the early scalps of visiting skipper Stephen Parker (22) and Aqib Rehman (0).

Ed Firth threatened to mount a rally for Stourbridge with 36 but he fell to Jack Farrar who finished with 2-26. Rob Farrar (2-38) and Matthew Jones (1-14) ensured the away side never built up any momentum with only three players reaching double-figures.

Without a number of his usual top order and openers Yarranton was still confident his side would knock off the runs.

“My old chap (Mark Yarranton) has been champing at the bit to go up the order and I stuck him in at three and he got a good 32 which virtually got us there.

“Damien Yeomans has only played twice this season but he made 42 and looked really comfortable then Tom Pugh came in and smashed 25 in no time.

“We should have everyone back next week but I’ve been lucky this season that I’ve never really struggled for players and that we have the strength there when one or two are missing.

“We’d known for a good while about the stag weekend so I had time to plan ahead.

“But West Malvern will be up for it next week and we know Phil Chaundy (who got a century against Hallow) has been in form and we will need to wheedle him out somehow.”