SCOTT Marshall marked his league bow for Evesham with an innings of 70 not out that steered Saturday's hosts to a five-wicket Birmingham Premier League second division success.

It was an excellent all-round show in drizzly conditions at Avon Street and the Australian batsman wasn't the only debutant to show his value.

Adam Brookes picked up figures of 3-45 as Bridgnorth were dismissed for 167 in the 54th over, while former Pakistan Test player Shahid Saeed chipped in with 27 to help the chasers on their way to what in the end proved a comfortable target.

Captain Barry Clements asked the Shropshire side to bat first and Brookes struck without a run on the board.

However, Gregory and Thompson added 86 for the second wicket before the introduction of Neal Radford and Saeed saw five wickets tumble in swift succession.

Perry hit 33 to lift the visiting side's score to 167 but two more wickets for Brookes and one for Radford who finished with 5-60 left Evesham in with a great chance of starting the season with a win.

Ian Suckling and the returning Jon Gregory had knocked 37 off the target when both were removed but Marshall and Saeed lifted the reply past three figures before the latter was trapped leg before.

The Australian continued his defiance and received solid support from Radford after Clements was caught for a duck.

Teenager David Mullett joined Marshall and the pair batted sensibly to steer the hosts to victory in the 42nd over.

Andy Shorey top scored with 46 as the second team were dismissed for 170 at Beacon.

The home side had few problems with the bat as they eased to a seven-wicket victory.