BEWDLEY maintained their healthy lead at the top of the Crusader Worcestershire League Seconds division one after easing to victory by 169 runs against Kington.

Ben Jones put them in charge with a knock of 134 to help his side to a total of 273-3 which never came under threat from the visitors.

Barnards Green are in second place after a winning draw with Romsley.

Droitwich are four points further back in fourth place after securing an eight-wicket victory against Chaddesley Corbett.

Andy Fletcher (86) and Dave Scott Walker (50 not out) both had unbeaten half-centuries while Rob Teague finished 52 not out for Chaddesley.

Pershore remain second from bottom after their nine-wicket defeat at home to Alvechurch. They racked up a decent total of 189-4 with Gary Stevenson (69no) and David White (50) their top scorers.

In division two, Worcester Nomads earned maximum points from their home match with Luctonians, which leaves them fifth in the table.

The visitors won the toss and opted to bat on a fine, hot day.

Good opening bowling spells from Matt Ormerod (2-34) and Ranscombe (1-38) removed the top order and then spinners Nic Lloyd and James Massey took over.

The wickets began to fall regularly and Lloyd finished with figures of 4-46 and Massey 3-14, with a total of 154 set for victory.

A steady start from David Pearson (31) and Roger Dixon (40) laid the foundations for the Nomads innings, followed up by Andy Leach (23) and Josh Stafford (41no).

The target was reached for the loss of just four wickets.

Malvern are just one place off the bottom after a losing draw against Stourbridge.

They were chasing a a target of 210-7 and fell 55 runs short, despite an unbeaten 81 from Sharp.

In division three south, Old Vigornians Seconds thrashed Hanley Castle & Upton at Kings Hawford, thanks to maiden half-centuries from Tim Whitehouse and Tom Guest.

Their efforts, along with 40 from Jon Squire, helped OVs amass 275-7.

Dave Mendham took 6-22 and Steve Protherough picked up three wickets as the visitors were dismissed for just 80, leaving Old Vigornians in sixth place in the Second XI league.

In division three north, Stourport got the better part of a draw against Stourbridge. Tom Gloster weighed in with a stunning knock of 181 while Carrick took 4-27.