BEWDLEY Cricket Club's title challenge went up in smoke on Saturday as county league Division Two leaders Worcester Nomads beat the third-placed side by 33 runs.

Chasing 192 for victory, Bewdley were skittled for 158 with only Mark Bennett (32) and Mark Edwards (29) showing resistance.

Earlier in the day, the home side struggled against the tight bowling of Edwards and Bennett but a surge in the final 10 overs pushed the total to 191-8.

Bennett eventually claimed 3-49.

Bewdley began brightly in reply but the regular flow of wickets prevented any momentum.

When Bennett was dismissed late on, John Peer and Mark Hudson's attempts to play for a draw ended in vain.

Worcester Nomads 191-8 (Dixon 71, Watkins 37, Fardon 29, Kelly 31; Edwards 3-110, Bennett 3-49.)

Bewdley 158 (Bennett 32, Edwards 29; Bowman 5-76, Jinks 5-49, 5 points.)

The second eleven match was abandoned due to rain.

Fixtures, Saturday

Bewdley 1st A v Brockhampton, 2pm start, Bewdley 2nd H v Brockhampton, 2pm start, Cavaliers A v Feckenham, 2pm start.