ALVECHURCH will have to wait another week before tasting victory for the first time this season.

The Hopwood side looked to have broken their duck on Saturday when their 245 looked beyond the reach of visitors Barnards Green.

But Alvechurch were denied the win when some stubborn resistance left the visitors teetering on 136-9 at the close.

Matt Haywood (80) and Jimmy Clifford (98) provided the backbone for the Alvechurch innings, the latter having to use a runner after picking up a leg injury.

Indian bowling ace Shashi Ranjan then took charge and claimed 5-33 as the visitors struggled in reply.

Skipper Martin Curtice said the performance should help lift his side away from the foot of the table.

"We dominated on Saturday," he explained. "There was nothing else we could have done to win the game.

"We bowled really well and just failed to get that final wicket."

Astwood Bank crashed to a hefty seven wicket defeat at home to Chaddesley Corbett.

Bryan Melliard hit a useful 52 for the Jill Lane side but they were still dismissed for 107. In reply, Chaddesley had few problems in rattling up the runs, reaching 108-3.

Feckenham claimed a winning draw at Claverley thanks to an unbeaten 50 from Daniel Bloomer.

Pete Monk's side reached 214-6 only for the home side to record 161-8 in reply.

But Hewell are still searching for their first win of the season in Division Four following a nine-wicket defeat at Cleobury Mortimer.

The basement side had no answer to the bowling of Oliver Rowland (5-27) and were dismissed for a paltry 124. In reply an unbeaten 80 from Nick Griffiths secured maximum points for the home side who cruised to 128-1.