CAPTAIN Trevor Ridings rescued Pershore from a calamitous situation in their penultimate Worcestershire League first division match last Saturday.

Pershore's reply stood at 55-5 in pursuit of Netherton's daunting 257-4 as Mark Clouston ripped through the top order.

However, Ridings, who ended unbeaten on 72, joined forces with Steve Cooper (42) and Paul Bozward (24no) to steer the home side to a respectable finish at 204-7.

Netherton had dominated from the opening ball after being asked to bat.

A wicket that gave little help to the bowlers was made full use of by Troy Lee and Simon Oseland who added 125 for the third wicket.

Lee ended unbeaten on 104, while the visitors were given a late boost courtesy of Darren Hall, who slammed 25 off just ten balls.

Clouston's early blast quickly ended hopes of a home win but, thanks a true captain's knock from Ridings, Pershore grabbed a respectable draw.

Sunday's penultimate match in the Worcestershire Clubs League also ended in disappointment despite Leon Botha hitting a typically robust 92.

Redditch totalled 227-6 after they had been in trouble at 69-4 with Australian Ben Davies two short of a century at the close.

Botha and Lee Wilks added 108 to give Pershore an outside chance of victory but only Steve Emsley could add any late impetus and the innings folded in dramatic fashion at 191 all out with the loss of seven wickets for 29 runs.

Division One

P W L D A Pts

Old Elizabethans 21 12 2 3 4 334

Pedmore 21 11 4 2 4 131

Luctonians 21 6 5 6 4 269

Pershore 21 7 4 9 1 264

Netherton 21 7 5 5 4 263

Ombersley 21 7 6 7 1 258

Droitwich Spa 21 7 7 5 2 243

Hagley 21 6 5 6 4 240

Bromyard 21 4 7 8 2 226

Chaddesley 21 4 9 6 2 193

Astwood Bank 21 3 9 7 2 166

Romsley & Hunn 21 2 13 2 3 153