BROMSGROVE CC prepared for the season with a confidence boosting friendly victory over derby rivals Redditch on Saturday.

Two wickets in the final over by Richard Barnes saw the Boars take local pride.

Captain Nick Davies lost the toss and Redditch put Bromsgrove into bat.

A fine display of aggressive batting by Nick Reade, hitting four sixes on his way to 44 not out, steered Bromsgrove to 173 in 45 overs.

Redditch captain Dan Protherough though did his best to ruin Bromsgrove's preparations as he reached his half century.

Accurate bowling by Ian Walker restricted Redditch and Barnes' late wickets dismissed them for 165.

The Boars take on West Mercia Police on Saturday at St Godwalds (1pm start), before going to Leicester Ivanhoe on Sunday in the Knockout Cup.