ALCESTER made a belated start to their home programme with a resounding win over Tanworth in Arden.

The Ragley Park-based side have been unable to use the stately home grounds because of foot and mouth.

But after casting aside their troubles, Mark Fawthrop's men look in formidable form in Cotswold One.

At the start of the season the park was off limits and, after reopening, the cricketers were told they had to be off the grounds by 6pm.

The committee considered morning starts to matches but the idea was rejected because Fawthrop said he would not have raised a side.

As a result, Alcester and Ragley Park switched their scheduled home games to away fixtures before the weekend and the policy seems to have paid off.

On their long-awaited return, Alcester restricted their Tanworth opponents to 139 for eight before Nick Chadbourne won the game single-handed with a swift, unbeaten 92 which included nine thundering sixes and nine fours.

The result keeps Alcester second after losing the leadership to Stratford Bards but the title-hopefuls can keep the pressure on at Norton Lindsey on Saturday (2pm start).

Skipper Fawthrop has lost the services of Sri Lankan quickie Dillon Fernando for the rest of the season but is hoping he will return for a full season next year.

n A tremendous 123 from captain Paul Hedges failed to save Alcester 2nds in their match with Tanworth.

Poor fielding allowed openers Preedy (55) and Moffat (53) to put on an opening partnership of 112 as Tanworth reached 205-7.

In reply Alcester started well but then lost wickets steadily. Hedges kept the innings together but Alcester were all out for 179.