HANLEY and Upton travelled to far-flung Claverley for their latest Worcestershire Cricket League division four encounter and were happy to return with a 20-point victory.

CLAVERLEY v HANLEY CASTLE & UPTON

Acting captain Grant Mathews won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Claverley to bat.

In Tony Hutchings, Hanley and Upton possess a quality opening bowler and he proved himself a match winner with a devastating spell of 7-33 in eleven overs.

He was given magnificent support from debutant Chris Duckworth, an U14 colt, who took the new ball with Hutchings and bowled five excellent overs for 15 runs.

All of the Hanley bowlers worked hard including Barton Mathews, another product of the club's colts section, who picked up his first senior wicket.

But in blustery and cold conditions, it was to be Hutchings who was the star and Claverley were soon dismissed for 94 in the 36th over, only Kash Hussain (25no) giving any resistance.

In reply Hanley and Upton ground out a slow but steady run chase.

Risking nothing, Brian Burgoyne (13) and Simon Rainsford (20) saw off the new ball and the dangerous Taylor (2-17) and, although wickets did begin to fall, the steadying hand of Richard Foley (18) saw Hanley and Upton up to the finish line.

Hutchings then came to the wicket to smash the winning four.