TENBURY Wells climbed into the Worcestershire League Division Nine promotion places thanks to an excellent seven-wicket victory over title rivals Old Elizabethans 3rds.

Just four points now separate the top three going into the final three games with Worcester thirds currently leading the way.

Against OEs, Tenbury skipper Ben Thompson won the toss and put the visitors in to bat. And the ploy paid off as early wickets for Tom Gloster (2-11) and Jamie Farrar (3-51) saw them reduced to 16-2.

The Worcester-based side struggled for runs and managed just 146-7 at the end of their 45 overs with Oliver Tyler (2-44) taking the other wickets to fall.

In reply, Gloster’s 47 led the way but Nigel Payne carried his bat for an unbeaten 38 with fellow opener Chris Giles contributing a useful 23 as Tenbury reached their target for the loss of just three wickets.

Cleobury Mortimer kept their promotion hopes alive with a storming ten-wicket victory over Avoncroft 2nds in Division Eight.

And it was James Manley who did the damage, taking 7-10 as the visitors were dismissed for a paltry 38.

Harry Booton took 2-12 with skipper Sam Evans taking the other wicket as no Avoncroft player managed to reach double figures.

In reply, openers Evans and Michael Green needed just 20 balls to reach their target and secure the win that leaves Cleobury in fourth place, 34 points adrift of the promotion spots.

In Division Three of the Marches league, Matthew James scored 142 as Knighton-on-Teme secured a winning draw at Bartestree & Lugwardine 3rds.