A TENSE ending saw struggling Victoria and Blakeley Hall defeated by Alvechurch with one over to spare in Worcestershire League Division Three.

Victoria reached 179-9 in their allotted 50 overs with Kelvin Barrett (39) and Glyn Thomas (36 not out) the main run scorers.

A last-wicket unbroken stand of 37 between Thomas, including three sixes, and David Bannister took them to a useful score.

Sidaway (3-29) and Evans (3-11) were the pick of the Alvechurch attack.

In reply, N Jones was the mainstay of the Alvechurch innings with 72 runs as they edged to victory.

Bannister claimed 3-27 off 13 overs but the only other successful bowler was Richard Thompson (3-57).

Victoria claimed five points but are actually stranded on minus-two after being deducted 15 when the seconds failed to raise a team the previous weekend.

Victoria 179-9, Alvechurch 180-6.

The young Victoria seconds were also beaten by Alvechurch seconds whose openers knocked off the required runs without being separated.

They included 14-year-old Fern Bagley, the sister of Chris and Mark who started with Victoria and are now in Worcestershire's academy.

But F Bagley faced probably the best ball of the match with a yorker dismissing her, while Sam Beasley chipped in with 24 and Paul Brookes 20.

Victoria 85, Alvechurch 86-0.