HANLEY Castle and Upton were crowned Worcestershire Cricket League Division Four champions on the final day of the season.

The Glebe club picked up a maximum 24 points from their six-wicket win over Worcester thirds to finish one point ahead of Bromsgrove thirds.

Todd Matthews took 4-36 and Tony Hutchings 3-36 as the hosts were bowled out for 160 before Daniel Powell (49) guided his side to a title-sealing triumph.

With promotion secured, Hanley arrived at Worcester’s Gordon Jones Memorial Ground to seal top spot.

But Worcester had their own battle at the foot of the table and decided to bat first.

Youngster Daud Ali (20) looked assured at the crease and was ably supported by Dave Robinson (23).

But once Robinson was caught by Josh Benson-Smith off Hutchings, scoring became more difficult as the Hanley bowlers tightened their grip.

It wasn’t until the sixth wicket pair of Faisal Zaib (29) and Muhammed Ali Raza (23) came together that the innings gained momentum.

Playing some beautifully timed shots around the ground the pair were unbeaten at drinks, with the score on 112-5.

But Mathews turned the innings around with some skilful and mesmerising spin as brilliant catches from Grant Mathews and Dan Powell saw the spinner pick up the key wickets of Zaib and Raza.

With news filtering through that Bromsgrove had crushed Hallow, Hanley knew they needed maximum points to secure the title.

League officials arrived to watch the final throes with Hanley looking to reach their target of 161. Worcester made things difficult.

Raza (2-37) was particularly effective, asking Hanley batters some questions, but the patience of the league leaders saw them take control.

Powell edged the visitors closer with patient and focussed batting but it was left to Matt Pratley to hit the winning run and secure Hanley’s first Worcestershire League crown for 16 years.

Speaking at the trophy presentation retiring league administrator, Chris Marsh, highlighted the bowling performances of Hutchings who secured 54 wickets, including six five wicket hauls.

Marsh also recognised the batting displays of Grant Mathews, who averaged nearly 30.