ALVECHURCH and Hopwood gave their hopes of winning the Worcestershire County League Division Three a big boost on Saturday as they defeated main rivals Himbleton by 97 runs.

After electing to bat first, Alvechurch and Hopwood posted an imposing 306-7 in 50 overs.

Adam Markham-Jones (72) and Ivan Burgess (111) top-scored, while Matt Hayward (34) and Jahan Khan (43) also contributed.

Himbleton’s reply got off to a shaky start after they lost Sean Jenkins for a duck when Christian Battelley trapped him lbw, before Alastair Pretty (66) and Jamie Afford (62) forged a fight back, which fizzled out after they were dismissed.

However, Khan was in fine form with the ball, taking 5-26 as he tore through Himbleton’s lower order as they were dismissed for 209 in the 44th over.

Alvechurch are at home to Old Vigornians on Saturday (1pm start).

l In Division One, Redditch were no match for mid-table Belbroughton as they slipped to an 119-run defeat.

Belbroughton won the toss and made 250-7, with William Pardoe scoring 115.

The Kingfishers were dismissed for 131.

Redditch, who have slipped into the relegation zone, are at home to Oldswinford this weekend.