IN an excellent game of cricket Hanley won this early season local derby by 31 runs and maintained their unbeaten run in the Worcestershire County League Division Five.

HANLEY CASTLE & UPTON v NEWLAND

Newland won the toss and put Hanley in on a damp track that was to play low and slow throughout. After a bright start from Rawlings (22) and Evans (27) the Hanley batsmen were slowed by a magnificent and sustained spell of bowling from Jabber (6-60) ably supported by Rouse ( 1-40) and young Richard Genever (1-20).

Hanley and Upton had to wait until Chris O'Donnell (36) came to the crease to see their scoring rate increase, his innings was to prove pivotal in the game as Hanley reached 179 off their alloted overs.

In reply the Newland batsmen made slow but sure progress against some steady bowling from Bass and Burch. The introduction of Fletcher (3-51) saw a transformation in the game as wickets started to fall. Eventually this brought the aggressive Rock (55), batting at number eight, to the crease who from the outset signalled his intent to win the game by smashing the ball to all corners of the ground.

Hanley stuck to their game plan well and in an exciting last ten overs when both teams could have won Hanley played their trump card in the shape of the experienced and cool-headed Barry Tuck(3-9).

In his two overs he took three wickets including the key dismissal of Rock whilst Burch (2-41) saw the home side to the win.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Hanley and Upton are away to Vine, players meet at the Three Kings at 12.30pm.