SPIRITS were sky high at Avon Street, despite gloomy clouds and a chilly wind, as Evesham beat St Georges.

They now lead Division Three by 28 points after a narrow success of just nine runs in a fluctuating struggle.

Evesham started badly by losing the toss in bowler-friendly conditions and struggled in the early overs.

Ian Suckling was first to go, followed soon after by fellow opener Mark Penter.

Skipper Barry Clements brought authority to proceedings before departing lbw to St Georges' Australian Lunn.

Stuart Berry, looking composed, and Neal Radford (44) began the recovery. It was a surprise when Berry was bowled by Charnock for 24.

Radford continued to bat with authority and Ian Stowe repeatedly eased the ball to the boundary.

Both batsmen fell just short of their 50s, Radford hitting leg-spinner Miller to short extra cover and Stowe bowled for 46 by Lunn.

Francois Nel ensured the advantage was not lost with a robust 43, including two sixes.

But the Evesham final score of 202 all out was something of a disappointment.

In reply, St Georges started off in fine style as their opening pair of Miller and Wright put on 60 in 10 overs.

Nel applied the brakes but Radford's magic eventually dismissed both openers with the help of a Berry catch.

Lunn (80 not out) settled in and Nel limped off with a damaged leg muscle.

But off-spinner Penter (3-37) tightened the screw and Radford returned for a third decisive spell, ending with 7-70.

The visitors buckled under the pressure as Chris Weaver claimed a smart stumping on the way.

Evesham 202, St Georges 193.