BEWDLEY'S promising start to the season continued with a convincing five-wicket win over Hereford who ran away with Worcestershire League Division Three last season.

Bewdley won the toss and dismissed the opposition for 118 in their third Division Two fixture.

Mark Bennett led the way with a devastating opening spell, ably assisted by Jason Taylor, and then mopped up the tail to finish with figures of 6-45.

After the loss of an early wicket, Ben Jones and Simon Mauger batted sensibly, taking the score to 55.

Jones (38) was eventually out with the score on 101, having played a crucial anchor role.

Paul Edwards played destructively for 37 runs but when rain came with Bewdley on 107-3, a draw looked possible.

However, the skies cleared in time for Martin Flack and Robert Combes to seal victory and lift the town to the top of the table.

Hereford 118, Bewdley 120-5.

Bewdley seconds drew with Hereford in a game reduced to 33 overs in bleak conditions.

Scott Fowler (3-34) bowled superbly with Dean Wilkes and David Jones also taking wickets.

But Hereford's 137-7 always looked challenging and Bewdley failed to get the good start needed.

Andrew Robinson (44) and Mark Edwards batted well but Bewdley fell well short.

Hereford 137-7, Bewdley 2nds 112-4.

Rain spoilt Bewdley Cavaliers' County Third Team Double League game against Belbroughton whose reply was cut short.

They batted solidly with Gareth Lewis and Derek Moses putting on 46 for the first wicket.

Matt Cowdrey and Robin Wilson scored freely but the main contributor was Charlie Combes with 57.

Bewdley Cavaliers 167-7, Belbroughton 37-1.

The town won comfortably in a Sunday friendly at Oldswinford.

Robinson batted fluently and Robert Combes (49) played a fine innings before being stumped.

David Mills (67 not out) and Mike Harris put on an unbroken 86 for the fourth wicket.

All Bewdley bowlers took wickets with Tim French claiming three.

Bewdley 215-3, Oldswinford 77.