LUKE Radford was Evesham's ace in the pack during the Bank Holiday weekend when the Avon Street side took up residence at the top of Division Three of the Birmingham League.

After Saturday's splendid run chase against Coleshill, inspired by Radford's innings of 40 not out, the 17-year-old was at it again two days later as Evesham defeated Lichfield by four wickets.

A top-class display with the ball dismissed the Staffordshire hosts for 141 with Radford setting the ball rolling with an early wicket.

Father Neal and Francois Nel then got to work to claim four wickets apiece before Will Bailey wrapped up the innings thanks to a catch from Mark Penter.

The Australian was quickly back at the wicket alongside fellow opener Ian Suckling but, after ensuring another solid start, Penter fell for 19.

Barry Clements struck 47 and helped Suckling (31) guide the visitors to a strong position that was abruptly weakened when Nel and Neal Radford both failed to trouble the scorers.

It was left to the younger Radford to again secure the plaudits and the points as the victory lifted the winners to the top of the pile.

He had been an all-round star last Saturday after Evesham had been set a massive 273 for victory.

The teenager had earlier helped reduce the home side to 30-4 with an opening burst of 3-16 but a fabulous innings of 137 from Suliman and 98 not out from skipper Trilloe guided table toppers Coleshill to an improbable 272-9.

Left-handed opening pair Ian Suckling and Mark Penter again set the ball rolling in fine fashion and both completed excellent half-centuries.

Clements, Neal Radford and Nel carried on the good work paving the way for the 17-year-old and Will Bailey (25no) to see the visitors home in comfortable style.

The second team batsmen were also among the runs rattling up 254-7 before dismissing Coleshill for a mere 57.

To cap a profitable afternoon for the club, the third string recorded a ten-wicket Cotswold Hills League success when openers Andrew Fisher, only 13, hit 37 not out and the seasoned Andy Milner (25no) made light work of Kenilworth Wardens who had succumbed for 59.