AFTER losing half their side with just 69 on the board, newly crowned champions Evesham displayed their strength in depth as they ended a hugely successful summer with a winning draw in their final Crusader Worcestershire County League game.

Luctonians asked their hosts to bat first on a green looking track. Altho-ugh Stuart Berry, Gary Lewis and Neal Radford all seemed well set, single figure scores from Ian Stowe, Mike Granacki and Jon Gregory left Evesham in trouble.

It was left to Warren Irvine and Ian Prince to embark on a rescue act as the pair engaged in a crucial seventh wicket stand that eventually lifted the home side past the 200-mark.

Irvine blasted a season's beat 64 that included four 6s, while his partner scored a fine 45 as Evesham were bowled out for 205.

As the wicket improved after tea, the home bowlers had great difficulty in shifting the visiting batsmen, in particular opener Powell who carried his bat for 76.

Radford and Irvine both bowled with pace but Luctonians batted out time to finish on 188-4 although their efforts failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the hosts who were presented with the Division One championship trophy.

The following afternoon, the Clubs League champions ended with a win as Pershore were dismissed for 156 after top dogs Evesham had scored198-9.

An unbeaten 36 from Rowan Forsder lifted the home side's score as Dave Corfield (4-30) threatened to undermine a fine start.

Spinner Stewart Langstone soon got among the wickets after tea as Pershore slumped to 42-3 in reply.

However, Lee Wilks (52) and Liam Ridings (32) brought the visitors back into the game until Gregory's introduction turned the contest Evesham's way.

Gregory took the wickets of Ridings and Tom Bales while also clutching a fine catch to remove the dangerous Wilks.

Will Bailey collected two late scalps before local rivalry was set aside as the losers formed a tunnel at the entrance to the pavilion to clap off the dual champions.

Wilks had hit a half-century the previous day when his side lost out by five wickets to Chaddesley Corbett.

Ridings added 51 to Pershore's total of 244-7 that was helped by 31 from Phil Oxley and Sam Howell's unbeaten 30. However, despite an early wicket for Tom Bales, Boden and Woods laid the platform that Lyman's 55 not out ensured was a winning one.