IMPRESSIVE Astwood Bank maintained their winning record in Birmingham League Division Three after they put struggling Lichfield to the sword on Saturday.

Bank's in-form batsmen didn't let the rain that had hit the region slow them down on a tough wicket as they racked up 250-9.

Lichfield were then dismissed for 107 in 51 overs as Astwood recorded 24 points, which keeps them third in the table and 11 points off the top spot.

Skipper Steve Adshead won the toss and opted to bat first on a damp wicket.

Opener Alex Robinson provided solidity early on despite the exits of Ryan Blakemore (4), Tom Pedley (8) and Adshead (16).

But Tom Underhill bagged his first half century since returning to the club with 72 runs, while Pete Alexander (58) also added a late flurry of runs as Astwood made 250.

The bowlers made short work of the Lichfield's order, with Thomas Harris (4-42), Andrzej Jagielski (3-16) and Michael Desmons (2-31) taking wickets as Lichfield were dismissed for 107.

"It was a tricky decision after we won the toss because the wicket was wet," commented Adshead.

"But I felt that it wasn't really going to dry out much more, so it was definitely worth a gamble and it paid off.

"Once again we batted very well. We have a lot of strength in depth, our top seven batsmen have all scored half centuries, and at the moment different players are scoring runs when we need them to."

Astwood face three games which will have a big say on how their encouraging campaign fares.

On Saturday, they take on second-placed Pershore at home, before a trip to Worfield next Saturday.

Bank then tackle leaders Streetly at home on Saturday, July 9 (all games noon start).

Robinson is set to be unavailable for this weekend's top three clash.

Meanwhile, Astwood exited the National Village Knockout at the hands of Dumbleton on Sunday.

The game, which had been replayed following last week's abandonment, was reduced to 20 overs because of worries over the rain.

Bank made 120 but their opponents won with nine wickets in hand.