WORCESTER CC all but sealed the Worcestershire County League Division One title with a thrilling one-wicket win in a rain-affected game at Redditch on Saturday.
Russell Southwick’s magnificent unbeaten 137 helped the hosts to 232-6 off their 50 overs and after Worcester’s innings was reduced Simon Keyte (85) and some late boundary hitting from Harry Clark (26 not out) and Luke Deeprose (8 not out) saw the visitors reach their target of 219 in 41 overs.
After Keyte was dismissed, the game seemed to be slipping away from Worcester as they were reduced to 179-8, but Clark’s 17-ball innings and Deeprose smashed two fours from the last three balls to win the match.
The victory means Worcester have a 67 point lead over second-placed Pershore with just three games left and a maximum of 72 points up for grabs.
Chris Ayliffe kept Pershore’s slim title hopes alive, as his unbeaten 113 helped his side to a six-wicket victory over Worcester Nomads.
Half-centuries from Sam Roberts (52) and Ryan Tongue (74) helped Nomads to 262-8, but Ayliffe’s ton and 52 from Liam Ridings saw Pershore home in a rain-reduced innings.
In Division Two Stephen Miles hit a brilliant 128 not out to guide Worcester Dominies to an eight-wicket victory at Rushwick, who are all but relegated.
Chris Pearman (92) and Mark Groves (78) helped Rushwick to 283-8, but Miles and Chris Miles (52) saw Dominies over the line in 42 overs.
Dominies are now 23 points behind a promotion spot.
Azmat Riaz took 4-26 for Old Vigornians as they skittled Tenbury Wells for just 128 in an eight-wicket victory in Division Three.
Chris Drew then hit an unbeaten 64 as OVs chased down the target in just 20 overs.
A full programme of games was also scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday, but heavy rain saw a complete washout for all the local sides.