ASTWOOD Bank improved their prospects of promotion from Birmingham League Division three by holding their nerve to beat fellow contenders Milford Hall by a slender seven run margin.

The match was a personal triumph for the Bank's 14-year-old left arm spinner Josh Baker who bagged his first wickets at Birmingham League level when he claimed figures of three for 40.

Baker was praised by his skipper Steve Adshead who said: "Josh bowled really well and took some big wickets, He's currently at Malvern College and is also on Worcestershire's Emerging Players programme and clearly has a bright future in the game."

It was Adshead who led from the front by scoring 54 and together with timely contributions from Tom Underhill on 34 and Pete Alexander with 44 not out helped the Bank post a target of 196 for seven.

Milford Hall took up the chase and always stood a chance of winning while James Davis was at the crease who went onto make 71 not out.

But wickets fell around Davis with 18-year-old quick Ryan Blakemore picking up figures of five for 54 before Baker crowned a fine performance by taking the final wicket as Milford Hall folded on 189 all out.

A delighted Adshead added: "We've not had too many close games this season and it was quite an exciting affair.

"It was a difficult batting pitch and it took 106 balls for me to score 54, when you'd think I'd score a bit quicker, but Milford Hall's opening bowlers didn't give us anything and put the ball in the right places.

"It was good that we managed to hold our nerve. We bowled and fielded really well and that was pleasing."

There's no let-up for Astwood Bank this Saturday when they travel to second placed Lichfield.

In what what is proving a hotly contested division only seven points separate the Bank from leaders Streetly.

Adshead said: "We've still got to play the top two, so the situation is still within our own hands".