WORCESTER survived a middle-order batting collapse to pull off an impressive 72-run victory over Beacon at Norton Barracks in Birmingham League Division Three.

The hosts lost the toss and were put into bat on a good, dry wicket and openers Richard Gardiner and Clive Chadhani made the most of the conditions to put on 56 for the first wicket.

Gardiner looked to be in good touch, hitting five fours in his innings of 36, before being caught and it was his dismissal that triggered a flurry of wickets. Despite being 56-1, Worcester suddenly found themselves at 104-7 after 24 overs with only Waddington Mwayenga, who hit 17, reaching double figures.

Liam Weston, who is only 16 years old, then came to the crease and batted with great maturity to help ease his side's problems.

He hit a splendid 47, which included seven fours and a six, and was helped by Luke Bolton in a partnership of 40.

Bolton was out for 17, but Weston added a further partnership of 30 with 14-year-old James Padden.

Weston was the last man out with Worcester posting a score of 207.

Beacon's leading bowler was Smith, who took 6-24 off 17 overs.

The visitors' innings got off to the worst possible start when Stuart Lockwood took a wicket in his first over.

Then Mwayenga, who bowled with good pace, claimed a wicket in his fourth over.

Beacon soon found themselves in trouble at 54-6, but Lawley scored 38 which halted the slide somewhat. However, the return to the attack of Lockwood and Mwayenga put Worcester back in control as the opening bowlers combined to dismiss Beacon for 135 in the 40th over.

Lockwood was the pick of the home bowlers and he finished with figures of 5-34, while Mwayenga claimed 4-37.

The win gave Worcester the maximum 24 points and Beacon had to make do with just five as the hosts made a flying start to the 2006 campaign.

Worcester's second XI did not enjoy such a good day.

They travelled to Bridgnorth and were thoroughly out-played in an eight-wicket defeat.

Worcester scored 172 all out in 45 overs. D Cook (38) and Dan Cure (28) were the only batsmen who troubled Bridgnorth as Lever took 5-39.

Turner hit an unbeaten 82 and Whitney finished 46 not out as Bridgnorth soon knocked off the runs they needed for victory.

Ajmal and Ikhlaq took a wicket apiece and were the only bowlers to enjoy any success.