BADSEY'S impres-sive start to the Cou-nty League campaign continued against Cleobury Mortimer last Saturday.

However, the visitors were unable to part the last two batsmen after setting a target of 196.

Tim Evans top scored with 50 after Badsey had been asked to bat first and Michael Powell was quickly back in the pavilion without a run to his name.

George Cowley was another to miss out and it was left to Sam Thomson (24) and David Powell (25no) to lift the visiting side's score to 195-9 at the end of their 45 overs.

Nicholas Powell and Adam Westmacott struck two early blows but Shorter's half-century kept the home side's hopes alive.

However, Cowley made up for a rare failure with the bat to remove the opener, while Thomson took a return catch to remove the dangerous Preece for 38.

Evans completed a good day with two wickets as Cleobury closed on 180-9.

Fixtures for Saturday

Birmingham Premier League

Division Two: Evesham v Old Elizabethans, Old Elizabethans II v Evesham II.

Worcestershire County League

Division One: Romsley & Hunn-ington v Pershore. Pershore II v Romsley & Hunnington.

Sunday

Worcestershire Clubs League

Pershore v Old Elizabethans, Evesham v Halesowen, Studley II v Evesham II, Redditch v Bretfor-ton.

Friendlies

Areley Kings v Evesham Hen-ricians, Stanton v Fladbury,Kays v Ashton.