AFTER defeat in their previous Worcestershire County League Division Five game Hanley Castle and Upton were keen to get back to winning ways last Saturday.

BRIDEWELL v HANLEY CASTLE & UPTON

However in a closely fought game they had to settle for a winning draw against a competitive team from Bridewell, who play near Stourport.

Hanley and Upton were put into bat on an excellent wicket and with a fast outfield set their sights on a big target. Evans (56) and Naulls (42) opened confidently and laid a good foundation upon which an aggressive knock from Mathews (62) built.

The Bridewell bowlers showed good consistency and Hanley and Upton were a little disappointed with their 212-7 off their allotted 45 overs.

Bridewell opened with McNabb (57) and Hannable (42) showing even better form than the Hanley batsmen. These two put on 115 for the opening wicket and it seemed that the game was slipping away from the visitors. Almost immediately after the drinks break Hanley struck, McNabb was needlessly run out and Fletcher (3-53) took two quick wickets as the game swung back towards Hanley.

Robinson, (0-29, 12 overs) bowled an extremely frugal spell and with the reintroduction of paceman Burch (2-60) and with Hanley at last holding some catches, Bridewell slumped to 150-7.

But overs were starting to run out and in the end Bridewell were happy to play out for a draw, moving their final total to 189-7 only after they had made the draw safe.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Hanley visit Cape Hill Victoria, players meet at the Glebe at 11.30am.

HANLEY CASTLE & UPTON 2ND XI v OLD HALESONIANS 3RD XI

HANLEY Castle & Upton 2nds entertained Old Halesonians on Saturday for their Worcester County League (3rd XI Single) game.

Star of the Hanley & Upton innings was again Jon Heming who made a brilliant 130 runs out of the total of 223-7.

In reply Old Halesonians were all out for 70 in the 37th over, Richard Foley (4-24) did the major damage and there was a marvellous catch by Sam Foley and a fine run out by Powell.

Players to meet at Hanley 1.30pm tomorrow (Saturday) for a home match aga