VETERAN Pete Rogers hit a magnificent 135 not out as Himbleton Cricket Club First XI moved off the bottom of Worcestershire County League division four with a ten-wicket victory at fellow strugglers Old Halesonians.

Rogers hit nine sixes and nine fours as he, together with opener Willie Byrne (52no), saw Dean Oliver's side home in 35 overs.

Skipper Oliver won the toss and elected to field and the opening bowling partnership of Matt McCann and George Platt soon removed Old Halesonians' openers with only 27 on the board.

This brought host captain Gary Weston to the wicket to repair the damage. Together with Steve Bull the pair put on a stand of 105, before Bull (53) became the first of Steve Yeates' wickets.

Yeates struck again, dismissing Weston for 88 before the return of McCann sealed the downfall of the tail as he returned figures of 4-60. Old Halesonians finished on 206-7.

Himbleton's veteran openers Pete Rogers and Willie Byrne were methodical in reply, only managing 46 runs in the first 17 overs.

But a change in bowling saw a change in momentum with Rogers taking command. Some fine stroke play progressed him to his century. The target was reached in the 35th over with Rogers finishing on an unbeaten 135 and fellow opener Byrne on 52 not out, including seven fours.