A MAGNIFICENT century from opener Lee Stuart led Chainwire to their first Worcestershire League Division Five victory of the season.

After being put into bat, opponents Alvechurch and Hopwood started steadily and put on 53 for the first wicket.

But the introduction of Steve James (4-27) to the bowling attack helped Chainwire restrict the Alvechurch run rate.

An excellent innings by Alvechurch captain G Davis (75 not out) held the visitors' innings together, allowing them to total 166-6 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Chainwire reached 63-2 before a third-wicket partnership of 104 between Stuart (100 not out) and Russell Tovey (35 not out) guided them to a comfortable eight-wicket victory.

Stuart's century included 12 fours and three sixes as the Kidderminster side racked up 20 points.

Alvechurch and Hopwood 166-6, Chainwire 167-2.