ALVECHURCH captain Nick Jones was celebrating this week after watching his side snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in their Worcestershire Three game at home to Victoria & Blakeley.

But his celebrations were cut short after hearing that he would be without five of his top six batsmen for the trip to Alveley on Saturday.

"It would have been ideal to pick the same winning side but we will be hit hard this weekend with a number of players going to the Test match," Jones said.

"The batting showed a bit of backbone for a change - it had been jelly-like of late."

The visitors were 194 all out in the 39th over before Alvechurch slumped to a disappointing 7-4 after eight overs.

But the middle order came good with James Upton, Roger Astle, Willie King and Darren Reck all adding crucial runs as the home side reached 198-7 to claim a three-wicket victory.

Jones added: "After the Alveley game we have three crucial matches at home against sides we should beat."

That would see 'Church catapulted back up the table and challenging for a promotion place.