ON a grey and blustery day the players of both teams served up a superb game of Crusader Worcestershire County League Division Four cricket played in the best spirit of the game.

HANLEY CASTLE & UPTON v COOMBS WOOD

Hanley and Upton have been promoted to this new division and were looking to impress after their game last week was washed out.

A spectacular maiden century from Hanley opener Andrew Heath (126) saw the home team post a very competitive 233-8 from 50 overs on a damp but excellent wicket. Heath was ably supported by Dave Young (playing his first game for a year after injury) who scored a stylish 27. Heath's innings included 14 fours and five huge sixes.

In reply Hanley's bowlers found the conditions worsening as the rains came. Dodging the showers the players persevered to ensure that the game would go ahead and this proved to be an excellent decision as Coombs Wood accepted the challenge of chasing their target from a revised 45 overs. Again an opener was to dominate proceedings, this time the ever reliable Saundry, who compiled a near faultless 78no. However, the eventual victory was earned by Butterworth (34) and a blistering 56 from White who accelerated the scoring whilst Saundry kept it tight.

In the gloom of gathering clouds and as night began to fall Coombs Wood reached their target for five wickets in the penultimate over at nearly 9pm.

Hanley Castle and Upton man of the match was Olivia Robinson

Tomorrow (Saturday) Hanley and Upton 1st XI are away to Harbourne. Players to meet at 12.45pm at the Swan, Whittington.