A BATTLING seventh wicket stand of 70 between Luke Ever-sham and Martin Johnson was the difference as Pershore overcame Worcester in Saturday's inaugural Birmingham League meeting.

Eversham hit 38 not out while Johnson remained unbeaten on 34 ass the pair lifted the visitors from 113-6 to 183 that ultimately proved too many for the chasers.

Earlier, Lee Wilks had struck a crucial half-century to hold the top order together after Worcester had struck a couple of early blows.

David Powles helped Wilks emb-ark on a rescue act but their efforts appeared in vain as Mwayenga picked up two more scalps.

However, Eversham and Johnson were unmoved at the crease and, when the latter removed Mark Chambers in the first over after tea, Pershore were in the driving seat.

Tom Bales chipped in with the wickets of Tarver and Mwayenga to reduce the home side to 23-3 but captain Andy Mason and Matt Foster steadied the ship until Bales and Luke Dalley struck vital blows with the ball.

Resistance was limited down the order and Bales took his wicket tally to four before Powles wound up the tail with three late scalps as the chase ended on 161 after 37 overs.

Eversham and Bales were tops with the bat in the Clubs League clash against Droit-wich 24 hours later when the experienced visiting side ran out eight-wicket winners.

Eversham top scored with 47, while Bales struck an undefeated 40 in his side's total of 159 that was only bolstered late on thanks to double figure contributions from Holly Penwarden, Owen Harrison and Paul Bozward who helped Bales add 40 for the last wicket.

The visitors set about reaching their modest target in fine style as an opening stand of 78 almost halved their task. Only a fine spell of aggressive pace bowling from Lachlan McKenzie appeared likely to hinder a chase that was successfully completed with eight overs and eight wickets to spare.