PERSHORE claimed their first Birmingham Cricket League Division Three win of the season with a sweet eight-wicket defeat of local rivals Evesham.

After winning the toss, skipper Stephen Cooper asked the visitors to bat on a good-looking wicket at The Bottoms ground.

Openers Mark Penter and Ian Suckling got away to a rapid start but Mark Stevens, returning to the side after a two-year absence, put a break on the innings by catching the former for 16.

Intelligent bowling from David Powles led to Evesham losing six wickets for just 45 runs, including danger man Neal Radford for just six and Suckling (74).

Only a belligerent 20 by Will Bailey enabled the batting side to post 168 all out from 52 overs with Powles taking 4-36 from 15 overs and Martin Johnson claiming 3-28.

In reply, Cooper and David White put together an opening partnership of more than 50 for the second week running.

With Cooper playing attractive shots and White an anchor role, the home side had the foundations laid for a possible victory.

After Cooper was dismissed for 50 in as many balls in a partnership of 70, Lee Wilks joined White (37).

The pair added another 51 runs and with Wilks (63 not out) in commanding form, Powles helped him put together a third-wicket stand of 48.

It enabled Pershore to reach the required target with 14 overs to spare, totalling 169-2, and achieve victory in a professional manner.

Penter (1-35) and Stuart Langstone (1-41) claimed the wickets.

Evesham 168 all out, Pershore 169-2.

In the second eleven encounter at Evesham, Pershore were victorious again in a five-wicket success.

Skipper Gary Stevenson won the toss and asked the home side to bat.

Solid batting by Ian Stowe (74), Andy Shorey (24) and Marcus Humpston (40) put Evesham on target for a large score.

But the introduction of Lachlan McKenzie (6-74) into the attack kept the final total within reach.

A final flourish from Will Lloyd (20) enabled Evesham to reach an impressive 206.

The Pershore batsmen never panicked and Luke Eversham's quick-fire 43 kept them up with the rate.

With Stevenson (88no) playing a patient innings, Chris Ridings (21) and Dave Wickersham (28) kept the score moving.

Pershore won an exciting match with Stevenson hitting the winning run with one ball to spare.

Evesham 2nds 206 all out, Pershore 2nds 209-5.