A BLISTERING undefeated innings of 121 by Bretforton's P Jones eliminated Colwall from the National Village Championship almost single handedly at the third round stage.

He blasted eight sixes and eight fours in his 65-ball innings to take the tie away from Colwall's grasp in a tense finish.

Bretforton edged home by one wicket with two balls to spare, finishing on 230-9 in reply to Colwall's 224-5.

After seeing off a demanding opening spell in humid conditions, the second wicket pair of Dave Powell (92) and Tim Riley (62) put visiting Colwall firmly in the driving seat with a partnership worth 158. Luke Ledbury (23 not out) kept the momentum going to set the home side what looked a stiff task.

The early stages of their innings seemed to confirm this notion, Bretforton slipping to 93-5 and 130-7 with their second top score being 21. Number five, Jones kept blasting away to turn the game on its head. Charlie Griffiths, James Wagstaff, Mike King and Dean Cooke each took two wickets.

Eastnor will entertain Bretforton this week after they put their dismal league form behind them to claim a comfortable 86-run victory at Belbroughton.

Their batting fired for a change as they posted a demanding total of 262-7 and completed the job by bowling their hosts out for 176 in the final over.

Nick Bollen (22) and Steve Hughes (19) gave Eastnor a useful start, but it was Adeel (55), Shahid (99, seven sixes and eight fours) and a late flurry of 36 from Christiaan Ferreira that pushed the total past a run a ball.

G Day (100) kept the home side in the hunt after a poor start left them reeling at 26-3 off 11 overs. Number 10 R Hawk (24) was the only other batsman to offer real support and their challenge fizzled out. Faisal (3-33), Shahid (2-19), Tom Hurrell (2-35) and Josh Emery (2-48) claimed the wickets for Eastnor.