SECOND place in the Crusader Worcestershire County league and top spot in the Sunday Clubs League represents a superb start to the season by Evesham's cricketers.

After shrugging off the misery of early abandonments, the Sports Club squad has made instant headway in the first division with their batsmen making hay in the sunshine.

Despite the loss of two early wickets at home to Eastnor last weekend, Stuart Berry (82) and captain Jon Gregory (46) staged a spirited recovery before the afternoon improved considerably when Ian Prince arrived at the crease.

The all-rounder smashed a quickfire half-century, that included three successive 6s as the hosts closed on 251.

Solid support

Prince then struck with the ball after tea but Hussain capitalised on some loose bowling and, with solid support from Bollen, victory was very much on the cards.

The visitors were well placed at 155-3 but the spin attack of Stuart Langstone and Quinn Jones proved a deadly duo and the Eastnor reply crumbled.

Langstone picked up 5-44 but Evesham were unable to prise out the last man and had to settle for a winning draw in a match sponsored by Troughton Transport.

Bowlers were again to the fore the next afternoon when overseas player Warren Irvine made a welcome and successful comeback after injury.

Bromsgrove's batsmen Campbell soon found the South African's hostile pace too hot to handle but Everson and Duffy dug in and helped plant the foundations for a respectable 192-8 off 45 overs.

Francois Nel spearheaded Evesham's reply with 72 with help from Gary Lewis (32) but it was ultimately Irvine's unbeaten 18 that steered the hosts to a two-wicket win.

Matt Jackson struck a fine century as the second string secured Saturday success at Eastnor, where Will Bailey's 4-51 and a half-century from Chris Pennell were also instrumental in a high scoring winning draw.

An inexperienced bowling attack failed to contain Bromsgrove's batsmen the next day and Evesham were all out for 165 in pursuit of 263 for victory.