RUSHWICK edged to a thrilling one-wicket home win against promotion-chasing Old Vigornians in Worcestershire League Division Three.

Alex Parker took a lifetime’s best of 7-58 for OVs but Matt Champion’s unbeaten 29 saw Rushwick home.

After winning the toss and batting first, OVs struggled after strong spells from Chris Davies (4-24 from seven overs) and Wayne Newman (4-25).

With only three OV batsmen making double figures, their total of 100 all out looked to be below par at the change of innings.

If the OVs stood any chance of defending their total, they needed early wickets and thanks to the opening spells from Parker, who took seven wickets, and Azmat Riaz were able to peg Rushwick back.

With the gloom and rain encroaching, the innings was fragmented as proceedings were suspended twice.

By the time the teams took drinks at the 25-over mark, Rushwick had lost eight wickets with nearly half the runs still needed.

Just as it appeared Parker had bowled his side into a winning position, Champion took the attack to OVs.

He finished on 29 not out to see Rushwick home.

The defeat sees OVs drop out of the second promotion spot.