THE champagne flowed at Avon Street on an otherwise wet and dismal day as Evesham secured the points needed to become Birmingham League Division Three champions.

Skipper Barry Clements led the way when Evesham lost the toss and were invited to bat by visitors Whitchurch on a damp day after a delayed start.

With Neal Radford out of the match because of injury, Clements opened the batting with the left-handed Ian Suckling.

The pair batted with confidence, adding a 50-run opening stand in conditions which were not easy.

Both fell to the persevering Khan, followed by a disappointing dismissal for Mark Penter.

Soon after Stuart Berry went lbw and the heavens opened again, meaning play was suspended on 103-4 off 23 overs.

With both teams keen to play despite gloomy conditions and intermittent drizzle, the umpire allowed a resumption after two-and-a-half hours.

Will Bailey settled the home spectators' nerves with some firm driving and Tom Paul added a valuable contribution, despite the regular fall of wickets. Evesham managed to secure two batting points before further rain caused the game to be abandoned.

They were more than enough to confirm Evesham as league champions amid scenes of jubilation in front of the pavilion.

Club secretary Bob Shaw said: "This is a well deserved success for coach Simon Price, skipper Barry Clements and the whole Evesham team.

"Evesham have been at the top of the Division Three table in the Birmingham Premier League since virtually the start of the season and have seen off all the competition."

Meanwhile, Evesham Seconds had a long journey to Whitchurch, only to have play abandoned after they had scored 123-2.

It was enough to secure what may prove to be a valuable bonus point as they are in a strong position to gain promotion.

A good result is needed against Worcester at Avon Street on Saturday.