PERSHORE extended their lead at the top of Worcestershire Cricket League Division One to 55 points over Worcester Nomads after beating their title rivals.

The Vale side's batting depth carried them home by three wickets at Nomads, who posted an imposing 296-4 with Josh Haynes (145) recording a second century in his second match.

Pershore's position was made even stronger after Nomads held on to second spot despite losing as third-placed Droitwich and Hagley in fourth went down to Belbroughton and Burghill and Tillington respectively.

Bewdley beat Pedmore to send them to the foot of the table by 11 points below Oldswinford and Stourbridge Social, who lost at Redditch by 12 runs.

Redditch's Jack Roberson scored 89 as did Lee Nightingale for Oldswinford.

Bromyard were hammered by Colwall as Tom Coleman took 6-29 and Ben Cooke scored 113 not out.

In Division Two, leaders Bredon made an impressive 380-3 in their 240-run victory over bottom side Malvern, who had won their first match the previous weekend.

Jamie Munro scored 160 and Martin Hill 100 not out with Bredon still 15 points in front of unbeaten Cookley, who defeated Evesham, and 38 ahead of Stourport after they saw off Wormelow by just three runs.

Worcester Dominies won at Coombs Wood to cling onto fourth spot and Feckenham are fifth following a victory at Harborne thirds, which firmly roots them in the bottom two.

Enville relieved their own pressure with a big win at Lye thanks to 139 not out by Matthew Branch.

In Division Three, leaders Alvechurch and Hopwood lost for the first time but only after scoring 350-7 with another century from Ed Rogers (115) and 91 by Matt Hayward.

In reply, Worcester's Old Vigornians were up to the task with Ahsan Fiaz cracking an impressive 174 not out and Chris Drew 94 as they won with almost three overs to spare.

Alvechurch’s lead was reduced to 12 points as Bartestree and Lugwardine thrashed Ross-on-Wye.

However, fellow challengers Chaddesley Corbett and Himbleton lost to Netherton and Rushwick respectively.

Cleobury Mortimer beat Alveley with 90 from Neil Griffiths to keep their opponents at the foot of the table 16 points behind Claverley, who lost at home to Avoncroft.

Division Four leaders Kempsey marched on with victory at home to Martley and Bromsgrove thirds took over second place from Barnards Green thirds after inflicting a narrow five-run win over them.

Kidderminster Victoria thirds remained fourth following a win at Halesowen thirds and Five Ways Old Edwardians slipped up at home to bottom side Old Hill thirds off the last ball.

Himley thirds won at home to their Oldswinford and Stourbridge Social counterparts thanks to 107 from 15-year-old Jordan Whitehouse. Matt Sidaway notched 151 for the visitors.

Hanley Castle and Upton won at Harvington with the help of an all-round performance from Todd Mathews.

Division Five table-toppers Astwood Bank thirds thrashed Enville thirds by 222 runs with Paul Baker making 129.

They lead Stourport thirds, winners by 26 runs over Old Elizabethans thirds, by just 10 points.

Tenbury beat Hallow and West Malvern defeated Barnt Green thirds to stay third and fourth respectively.