KEMPSEY leap frogged Wormelow at the foot of the Worcestershire League Division Two table with a three-wicket victory over their rivals.

Chris Jones was the hero as he struck an excellent undefeated 109 to help the hosts chase Wormelow’s target of 247 at Plovers Rise.

Elsewhere in the division leaders Coombs Wood’s moderate first innings total of 171 proved 24 runs too many for visitors Bartestree.

Second-placed Oldswinford kept up their challenge for the title as Tom Blunt (144) and Owen Williams (100) both scored centuries in their comfortable victory at Enville.

Belbroughton were defeated in a tight game at Bromyard while Bredon beat Droitwich by 17 runs and Himbleton overcame visitors Old Vigornians by three wickets.

Chaddesley Corbett were the only Division One club in the top six to come unstuck as they lost to Worcester Nomads in the final over.

Chasing 223 to win, the visitors left it late but a calm and controlled eighth wicket partnership under pressure between Steve Emson and Josh Hawes, who had earlier taken 4-27 in the first innings, led the Worcester side home with two balls to spare.

Table toppers Bewdley beat Burghill by two wickets on the road, while Stourport saw off lowly Pedmore by five wickets at Walshes Meadow and Evesham posted 249-9 on their way to victory at Colwall’s Ghost Meadow.

Hagley beat Cookley by seven wickets to move back in to the top six level on points with Feckenham who lost to fifth placed Worcester at home.

But the title race looks likely to be a three horse race between Bewdley, Stourport and Evesham at the moment.

And with Brockhampton still in the bottom two of Birmingham League Division it looks increasingly like the top five will qualify for next season’s new County Premier League.

Runaway Division Three leaders Lye find themselves 60 points clear at the top following an eight-wicket home win over Avoncroft.

Netherton jumped back into second after Simon Oseland (4-33) and Danny Lowe (4-34) grabbed eight wickets between them to dispatch Eastnor.

Alexander Basford (77) top scored for Martley as they defeated third-placed Rushwick with eight overs left.

Baldev Raj notched an undefeated 158 to help Harborne chase down Malvern’s first innings score of 322-4.

Alvechurch were beaten by three wickets at Bromsgrove but stay in fifth and Five Ways came out on top against Hanley Castle.

In Division Four, Jon Preece *) inspired leaders Halesowen to a four wicket victory against visitors Claverley.

Astwood Bank took full advantage of Romsley’s defeat at Hallow Taverners to move back in to second place with an eight run victory at Alveley.

Fourth placed West Malvern lost by five runs to Stourbridge, while Craig Wood scored an excellent 121 for Kidderminster thirds as they beat Himley and Tenbury Wells thumped basement club Stourport by seven wickets at Penlu.