HANLEY and Upton travelled to Worcester Corinthians seeking to consolidate their position at the top of Division Five of the Worcestershire County League on a cold, grey and blustery afternoon.

WORCESTER CORINTHIANS v HANLEY CASTLE AND UPTON

Ultimately their efforts were to be thwarted by dour resistance from the Corinthians batsmen who were never prepared to chase the target set.

Earlier in the day Steve Burch, the Hanley captain, had won the toss and decided to bat in the search for maximum points. This decision was particularly difficult as both the playing conditions and league rules looked more favourable for the team batting second.

However, with Corinthians players caught out by the earlier start and only able to field eight men for the first 45 minutes it was down to the Hanley batsmen to make good in the conditions.

Although Tuck went cheaply the rest of the innings was dominated by a magnificent 175 run partnership between Ali Naulls (80 no) and Grant Mathews (98), a 142 of the runs coming from boundaries.

The pick of the Corinthians bowlers was S Ali (18-5-66-2) who looked dangerous throughout and was unlucky not to have a better return for his efforts.

Hanley and Upton closed on 234-4 after 42 overs, leaving themselves 48 overs to bowl out Corinthians.

After five overs, in reply Corinthians had made 20-2 but from then on decided that they would take no risks and play for the draw. Haines (42) and Ali (46) showed stubborn defence, as did all of the batsmen, as Hanley rung the changes but picked up few wickets.

At 41-4 off 20 overs Hanley still felt they were in with a chance but the next wicket was not to fall until the 41st over with the score on 117 and the game all but safe.

Corinthians closed on 150-6, Hanley and Upton (14 points), Corinthians (4 points).

Tomorrow (Saturday) Hanley Castle & Upton are away at Hallow (1.30pm) and finish their season with Worcester Corinthians at home (August 25) and then Stone away (September 1).