REDDITCH secured their mid-table position in the last game of the Birmingham League Division Three after a comfortable 171-run defeat of Olton.

An unbeaten 164 from Redditch's overseas Australian, Simon Allison, started the rout and was helped along the way by skipper Danny Protherough (17) and Hugh Humphries (24) as Redditch posted 250.

A six-wicket haul from Humphries put pay to any Olton recovery as the home side were skittled out for just 79.

Redditch captain Danny Protherough said he was pleased with his side's recovery to finish sixth in the league after a poor start to the season.

He said: "After the start we had, it's been an excellent second half to the season.

"We let ourselves down in the first half of the season - but I've noticed other clubs this season who have had similar starts and completely disintegrated - players have left the club but we haven't had any of that.

"We had a long chat after one of the games and a few home truths were said and since then we've played very good cricket."

Protherough said he enjoyed his first season in charge of the team.

"Well I enjoyed the second half of the season better," admitted Protherough.

"Luckily I came into some form after a bad start and that took a bit of the pressure off - because you really have to justify your position in the team," he added.

Redditch seconds eclipsed the firsts this season after promotion into the Birmingham League Division Two Seconds league.