ALCESTER & Ragley strengthened their promotion chances on Saturday with an impressive 10-wicket win at home to Stratford.

Alcester won the toss and put the visitors in on a damp wicket. After losing a wicket in the first over, Stratford struggled and their innings closed on 128-7.

Mark Woolley was pick of the Alcester bowlers, with 4-21 and Sean Quirke took one wicket for only 8 runs in his 10 overs.

In the Alcester innings Nick Chadbourne 61 not out and Sean Quirke 50 not out, took no risks, but punished the bad balls to take the win.

Alcester next face Cotswold Hills Division One leaders Stratford Bards in a crunch match.