ASTWOOD Bank demonstrated their battling qualities as they overcame an early setback to defeat struggling Whitchurch by 120 runs in the Birmingham and District League Division Three.

A 24 point haul also saw third-placed Astwood cut the gap behind leaders Streetly to just 11 points.

But it was the middle order batsmen who produced the goods after their top three of uncharacteristically failed to make an impact.

Alex Robinson (8), Ryan Blakemore (5) and Tom Pedley (4) all went cheaply as their team slipped to 18-3.

But Bank rallied as captain Steve Adshead (31), Tom Underhill (46), Pete Alexander (61) and Thomas Harris (40) got them back on track as they made a more than competitive 21-4-6 in 55 overs.

That score was far beyond Whitchurch, who were reduced to ten because Rob Leighton was absent, as they were bowled out for 94.

Andrzej Jagielski (4-17) and Dan Taylor (3-27) took the wickets as Astwood made it four wins out of seven.

"Credit to the middle order, when we lost the openers early on they did not panic," commented Adshead.

"Instead they had a good idea of what was a decent score on the surface and guided us there.

"Once we got over 180 I was confident Whitchurch could not reach that sort of score.

"We then bowled very well to make sure of the win.

"There is a lot of confidence in the side and what's good to see is that everyone is contributing.

"Our openers have been very good but this week it didn't work out and someone else stood up and took responsibility."

Astwood's next opponents are third from bottom Lichfield at home on Saturday (noon start).

Meanwhile, there was weather frustration on Sunday as Bank's Village Knockout clash was abandoned.

Bank had restricted Dumbleton to 136-8 when torrential rain started.

The game will be played again this Sunday at Astwood (2pm start).