ASTWOOD Bank ended their five-week wait for a win in the Birmingham League Division Three as a much-improved display with the bat helped them record a three-wicket success at Worfield.

Bank picked up their first maximum point haul since May 30 thanks to a resilient display by tailenders Jon Summers and Andy Alexander.

After losing the toss, Astwood were asked to bowl first and they dismissed their opponents for 218 in the 48th over.

While Patrick Butler (83) was in fine form for the hosts, once he was caught by Andy Williams off the bowling of Matthew MacDonald, Worfield collapsed from 164-6.

MacDonald (3-59) was the pick of the bowlers, while Thomas Harris (2-41) and Dan Taylor (2-24) also made important contributions.

Astwood's reply got off to a flying start as opening batsmen MacDonald (63) and Alex Robinson (33), gave them a solid base to work from.

Captain Steve Adshead (45) also contributed but the away side lost wickets in the middle of the order, slipping from 159-3to 192-7, before Summers (12no) and Alexander (22no) added 29 runs in an eighth wicket stand.

"It was a much improved batting display," said the captain.

"We got off to a very good start and I have to commend Matthew and Alex, who have been very reliable as opening batsmen.

"We had a wobble but that's no surprise considering confidence was low because of the run we've been on but we came through it for a good win."

Astwood tackle mid-table Whitchurch at home in the league on Saturday (noon start) but face an all-important clash against Pelsall in the last 16 of the Davidstow Village Cup at home on Sunday.

Bank defeated Pelsall by eight wickets in May but the Walsall side have improved since then.

A bumper crowd is expected for the clash.

There was also success for the seconds and thirds.

Astwood seconds got the better of Tamworths by 17 runs, while the thirds saw off Barnt Green thirds by 167 runs.

Paul Baker (68) and George Haslam (52no) were among the runs.