WORCESTER'S Old Vigornians moved up to fifth in Worcestershire League Division Two with a 64-run win over Coombs Wood at Peopleton.

After two narrow defeats when they had opportunities to win OVs bounced back in a game that looked lost at several key moments.

The hosts were put into bat on a good track and got in early trouble at 20-3.

Ahsan Fiaz scored a patient 58 to steady the nerves with good support from Aidan Thompson (25) and 41 from 29 balls by Alex Barnes.

But at 199-7 OVs looked unlikely to post a robust target. 

Azmat Riaz (63 not out) and veteran Phil Mackie (20no) added a decisive 68 for the eighth wicket.

They hit 55 off the final five overs and scored off every ball of the last four as OVs finished on 267-7. 

Wood also started badly and were 2-2 in the second over thanks to fine catches by Osman Fiaz and his younger brother Ahsan.

But then they launched a fierce counter-attack led by Gulham Abbas with 66 off 29 balls including a six and 14 fours.

Matthew Colwell (42) was aggressive too but OVs pegged Wood back thanks to spinners Alex Parker (4-47) and Barnes (3-55).

They were backed by more good catching with Ahsan Fiaz and Jabba Riaz taking the most difficult chances.

Wood seemed in a hurry on another hot afternoon but wickets fell steadily and they were bowled out for 203 in only the 31st over. 

A third successive defeat for OVs seconds cost them their place in the Division Three promotion places.

They put up a reasonable display against Astwood Bank fourths but lost by six wickets. 

Dan Wheeler (61no) was the mainstay of the innings while skipper Tony Meek scored 38 and his son James Hayward-Meek hit 28.

Clare Boycott took 2-27 from nine overs as OVs only managed 164-6 from 45 overs. 

Matthew Harland (50) and Harry Williams (38no) led the way for Bank as they knocked off the target in 29 overs. Ben Dyole took 2-37.