PERSHORE were indebted to newcomer Percival as they picked up 15 hard-earned County League Divi-sion One points against Eastnor last Saturday.

The hosts were asked to bat on a wicket that had been affected by the overnight rain and they made the worst possible start when Phil Oxley fell without a run on the board.

Sam Howell and Reuben Rivers-Smith also fell victim to Shaid as Pershore slumped to 33-3 in the 16 th over.

However, Lee Wilks joined the debutant and, as the wicket became easier, the fourth wicket duo added 145 in 28 overs before Wilks was cau-ght for a patient 47.

The opener continued his charge before finally being stumped having scored a superb 139 that included 19 4s and two 6s.

Liam Ridings and Mark Stevens both added useful late runs and a total of 245-7 from 50 overs was a good one in the circumstances.

However, Eastnor's res-ponse was positive and they were up with the run rate after ten overs.

Wickets began to fall at regular intervals with Howell dismissing both openers and Martin Johnson taking care of the middle order.

While Arshad was at the crease, the chasers still had hope and he was joined in a sixth wicket stand by Shaid that threatened to hurry the visitors to victory.

Sixty were needed off the final ten overs but Percival's excellent run-out dismissal of Shaid turned the match Pershore's way.

The recall of Ben Bales to the attack also helped his side's cause and he removed Arshad for a top score of 56 and his three-over stint realised analysis of 2-14 as the visitors closed on 213-8 after batting out the final four overs.

Pershore's second team recorded a comfortable win in the reverse fixture after bowling out their hosts for 132.

McKenzie took 5-38 and Meers 4-38 before Chris Ridings hit 44 as the visitors eased to a six-wicket win.