RAIN caused the abandonment of Bewdley's first Worcestershire League Division Two match of the season so both teams took 12 points.

They made a great start to life after relegation by quickly taking two Brockhampton wickets before a run was on the board.

But the villagers gradually took control and built up a large score of 241-9 despite the return of Mark Bennett (5-40) to the attack, bringing Bewdley back into the game for maximum bowling points.

In reply, David Meek went for a duck before captain Simon Smith and Paul Edwards made a good partnership as the rain clouds gathered.

When rain started to obscure Bennett's spectacles, the umpires decided to call it a day with Smith two short of his half-century.

Brockhampton 241-9, Bewdley 78-2.

Bewdley seconds took 20 points in a brilliant start after a 10-wicket win over Brockhampton.

The visitors batted first and lost an early wicket to John Goodreds.

The score slowly mounted towards the century before Colin Harris (4-32) joined Mark Guest (3-40) at 76-2 to bring about a collapse which only Lawson could resist with some late blows.

Pete Mauger (71 not out) and captain David Jones (54 not out) started Bewdley's reply quietly before launching an assault on all the bowling, taking them to victory before the rains descended.

Brockhampton 144, Bewdley 2nds 145-0.

Honours ended even between Bewdley and Old Georgians after two wickets fell in the final over in virtual darkness, driving rain and a howling gale.

Bewdley batted first in the friendly and after interruption by a hailstorm declared at 165-8. Peter Harler (40) and David Mills (28) were top scorers.

Georgians added 87 for the second wicket then struck out to see the score past 150.

But Bewdley captain Mauger (3-29) kept the pressure on and took vital wickets to force the exciting end. Robert Combes chipped in with 2-28.

Bewdley 165-8 dec , Old Georgians 165.

Fixtures, today: Dominies and Guild v Bewdley U-16s.

Saturday: 1sts v Eastnor, Eastnor v 2nds, Cavaliers v Belbroughton (all 2pm). Sunday: Claverley v 1sts (2pm).

l Bewdley will be holding net practices at Lower Park on Tuesday evenings from 6pm onwards.

Junior cricket and coaching will be on Friday evenings at the same time from May 10.