EVESHAM returned to their winning ways with a comprehensive win when they visited Pedmore in the Worcestershire County League.

Although Evesham won by the impressive margin of 55 runs the home side managed to hold on until the last over to almost secure a draw.

Captain Jon Gregory won the toss and decided to bat on a wet wicket with the intention of gaining maximum points from the match.

Despite the difficult batting conditions openers Stuart Berry (50) and Gary Lewis (31) put the visitors in charge with an opening stand of 80.

Neal Radford (22) and Jon Gregory (14) kept the momentum going before Radford was adjudged one of seven lbws in the match.

Just as Evesham began to falter against some tight bowling on the increasing difficult wicket, Mike Granacki (29 not out) and Stewart Langstone (21) steadied the innings with a steadfast partnership to see the visitors through to a total of 207-9.

In reply, the home side found Evesham's bowling in no mood to compromise as they collapsed to 26-5 against the pace of Radford and Stowe.

D McDonnell (61 not out) and D Skelding (28) put a useful stand together to frustrate the visitors before the introduction of off spinner Quinn Jones accounted for Skelding.

J Wenham (23) kept McDonnell company and appeared to have secured a draw for the home side with the overs running out.

Warren Irvine (3-37) was re-introduced into the attack and in a blistering three-over spell took the last three wickets with just three balls left in the innings.

This win keeps Evesham in contention with Ombersley for the title chase.

Evesham maintained their lead at the top of the Sunday league with a fine performance at home to Swindon.

Batting first on a perfect batting wicket Evesham smashed their way to a total of 274-7 with contributions from Barry Clements (72), Will Bailey (68) and Quinn Jones (52) to ensure the home side set a daunting target for the visitors.

Swindon's overseas player S Moore (73) led a spirited reply but when he was run out the visitors began to struggle.

Wickets started to fall at regular intervals and eventually Swindon were bowled out for 177 to give Evesham victory by 97 runs.

Evesham second teams inconsistent season came back to haunt them as they lost their home match against Pedmore by six wickets due to a poor batting display.

With a number of youth team players in the side, they travelled to Swindon on Sunday and all played their part in an exciting game which they lost by 12 runs.