COLWALL remain poised to challenge the top sides in Division Two of the Worcestershire League after a three-wicket success over Stourport.

The Malvern Hills side have moved up to fifth after being guided to success by captain James Able’s 76 not out.

Earlier, good bowling from Damien Berry (3-29) and Tom Coleman (3-41) had helped to restrict Stourport to 198-9 from their 50 overs.

Late dropped catches proved costly for Wormelow who were unable to prevent Bewdley from moving to the head of the table with a three-wicket success.

Overseas player Jamie Banfield had maintained his impressive run of early season form with 57, sharing in a 91-run partnership for the second wicket with skipper Ban Owens.

Elliot Williams (21no) was the only other Wormelow player to reach double-figures as the villagers’ 183-9 proved just below par, with Bewdley easing home with 10 balls to spare.

Ross raised hopes of a first Division Three victory when Jack Evans (65) and James Tiffen (56) posted 107 for the first wicket in their clash with Himbleton.

But none of the remaining batting was able to make a big impact and the Ross total of 213-8 was overhauled in the 35th over for the loss of eight wickets.

Bartestree and Lugwardine kept in touch with the Division Four leaders after their second win in three matches, by three-wickets over Kidderminster Victoria.

Ben Simpkin (50), Luke Sparrow (42) and Russell Barnett (39) all did well as the villagers chased down Kidderminster’s 204-3.

Canon Frome are 10 points clear at the top of Division Six after beating Highley by four wickets.

David Wilson (4-28) and Nicko Evans (3-31) bowled well as Highley were dismissed for 168 with Mark Godsall (45) leading the way with the bat for Frome.

Performance of the day in the second Xls section came from Burghill and Tillington teenager Jack Stockdale who followed up a 3-43 spell with 87 as they beat Malvern by three wickets.