BEWDLEY firsts are fifth in Division One after a two-wicket home win over Astwood Bank with only two balls to spare.

Skipper Matt Boden was the hero of the hour with a fine batting display just as Bewdley looked like struggling to reach their target.

After an innings that ebbed and flowed, Astwood Bank posted a decent enough total of 241-5. Robbie Coombes (2-29) and Simon Mauger (2-19) kept some control as Astwood's batting revival threatened to gather pace.

Bewdley's batsmen started well enough with openers Paul Beard (45) and Martin Flack (57) moving the score along nicely.

A collapse looked like being Bewdley's undoing as they slumped to 161-6 with only a few overs remaining.

But Boden produced a brilliant unbeaten knock of 57 off just 33 balls to lead Bewdley to victory.

Bewdley seconds had a more comfortable eight-wicket win at Astwood Bank thanks in part to the form of another Boden.

Matt's brother Tom made 73 not out as Bewdley raced to 200-2 in reply to Astwood's 198-8.

He was supported with the bat by David Meek (60 not out), after David Jones had mopped up the hosts' tail with figures of 4-53.