REDDITCH made a rousing start on their return to top flight Worcester County League cricket with a three wicket win over an Eastnor side who were relegated from the Birmingham League last term.

Accurate bowling by Noman Chaudhry with four for 35, Waqas Ali who took three for 38 and Haris Mohammed three for 50 reduced Eastnor to 188 all out.

Redditch responded with 192 for seven, wicketkeeper Brandon Weal leading the way with 51 while solid support was supplied by Rizwan Chaudhry with 39, Ollie Mason 34 and Russ Southwick 29.

Fellow promoted side Feckenham made losing start following a seven wicket reverse against Cookley.

Andy Kings cracked 65 as Feckenham were removed for 158 all out before Cookley cantered home on 159 for three, Jaimen Rudd reaching top score of 38.

Alvechurch and Hopwood helped themselves to a run harvest but still had to settle for a draw with local rivals Astwood Bank Thirds in Division Three.

Matt Hayward hammered 95 while Ed Rodgers reached 87 as Alvechurch and Hopwood built a huge 332 for eight total.

But Astwood Bank were able to bat the game out on 229 for eight at close despite the efforts of Dan Wolstencroft who claimed five for 62 off 17 overs.

This Saturday Feckenham travel to Droitwich while Redditch visit Hagley.