Desmond grabs four as Bank finish off strugglers (From Redditch Advertiser)

Desmond grabs four as Bank finish off strugglers

4:00pm Thursday 6th September 2012 in Sport

ASTWOOD Bank ended battling Coombs Woods’ resistance as a six-wicket win in the Worcestershire League Division One ensured their relegation.

Victory for the Bank kept them in the hunt for a top three finish, leaving them just five points behind Droitwich.

A ruthless bowling display ensured the bottom of the table side were dismissed for 107.

Michael Desmond was in excellent form with the ball, taking 4-16, while Dan Thomas and Jonathan Summers took three each.

In replay, Astwood were indebted to Sam Thomas’ 28 not out, which anchored the innings while Stephen Adshead (9), Alex Robinson (5) and Desmond (1) were dismissed cheaply.

Pete Alexander also added crucial runs with 37 as Bank reached 108-4.

Astwood end the season at all-but relegated Colwall on Saturday (12.30pm start).

The relegation battle in Division Two will go down to the final weekend after Alvechurch and Hopwood and Feckenham both suffered defeat.

With one game each left, Alvechurch are just outside the relegation zone in third from bottom with a three point lead over their local rivals.

Feckenham were put to the sword by promotion-chasing Worcester Dominies as they lost by nine wickets.

Put into bat after losing the toss, they were bowled out for 153 in 46 overs, despite Daniel Bloomer (32) and Andrew Kings (63) getting among the runs. Darren Freeman took five wickets for Worcester.

Bloomer took Feckenham’s only wicket when he had John Hancock caught by Sam Stacey for 91 runs as Worcester made 154-1.

Alvechurch were no match for fellow strugglers Wormelow.

After losing the toss and being put into bat they were dismissed for 42, with Lee Watkins taking six wickets for nine runs. Wormelow cruised to 43-2 in reply.

Both teams will be battling for survival when Feckenham go to Wormelow and Alvechurch tackle Belbroughton away.

Saturday fixtures - Worcestershire League Division One 1st XI: Colwall v Astwood Bank; Redditch v Bromyard.

Division One 2nd XI: Alvechurch & Hopwood v Belbroughton; Astwood Bank v Colwall.

Division Two 1st XI: Wormelow v Feckenham; Belbroughton v Alvechurch & Hopwood.

Division Two 2nd XI: Bromyard v Redditch; Feckenham v Wormelow. All matches 12.30pm start.