ALVECHURCH and Hopwood remain rooted to the bottom of Worcester County League Division Two after being out-batted by rivals Bredon.

Ed Rogers showed a welcome return to form with the bat as he blasted 113 and provided the backbone of an Alvechurch and Hopwood total of 251 for eight from a full 50 overs.

Following a brief interruption for rain, Bredon's reply was reduced to 43 overs. A further shower restricted their innings still further to 40 overs.

By the halfway stage of the reply Alvechurch were well placed as Bredon had only made 60 for two from 20 overs.

But Alvechurch spokesman Nick Jones revealed: "There must have been something in the drinks, because when they resumed their innings, Bredon looked a different side and promptly showed us with a cavalcade of sixes."

Consequently Bredon raced to a winning 223 for two with 16 balls still remaining.

Martin Hill was Alvechurch's chief tormentor as he plundered 139 not out.

Nick Jones added: "It was going really well. Strike bowler Christian Bettelley had only conceded seven runs from his nine overs and we had Bredon at 10 for two at one stage!

Jones also confirmed: "We brought in Derbyshire's fielding coach Cookie Patel for a masterclass a couple of weeks ago.

"The following Saturday, all four teams won so the move really paid off. Clearly we need to do it more often."