THE weather was again the winner as Pershore's first and second teams failed to complete a match for the sixth time so far this season.

The miserable weather didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the club's batsmen as both sides passed the 200-mark before the elements had the final say soon after tea.

Skipper Trevor Ridings hit an unbeaten 72 as Pershore rattled up a formidable 232-4. His half-century arrived off just 36 balls and he was given fine support from Arno Botha (47), Steven Cooper (37) and Paul Bozward (36).

The visitors were making excellent progress as the bowlers toiled away without success until the heavy rain forced the umpires to take the players off the field.

It was the first time the second string had actually taken to the field and they made up for lost time as openers Phil Taylor and Gary Stevenson took full toll on the Hagley attack.

Stevenson was finally out nine runs short of a century, while his partner completed his hundred in the 35th and final over.

The tempo of the game was quickly reduced as the home side's opening pair scored 17 off the 12 overs available to them before the weather intervened.

It was a similar tale for Evesham who were dismissed for 177 before rain caused an abandonment with Netherton 66-1 in reply.

Stuart Berry continued his good run of form with 86 in a match sponsored by Ron Sinclair Transport Ltd.

Sunday's match at Studley did reach a conclusion with Evesham winning by four wickets after a successful chase of the home side's 40-over total of 159-6. David Horn (44), Sean Howard (40no) and Gary Lewis (31) made significant contributions with the bat.

Barry Clements, now playing Saturday cricket in the Birmingham League, scored 110 for new side Barnt Green who won their opening match in this season's National Knockout. Green lost out in last year's final.

Saturday selections: Evesham v Bromyard away. J Gregory, M Granacki, G Lewis, I Stowe, N Collins, S Berry, W Bailey, S Cadwallader, Q Jones, S Langstone.

Sunday: Evesham v Redditch away. J Gregory, B Clements, D Horn, J Cawson, A Shorey, G Lewis, W Bailey, S Cadwallader, S Howard, Q Jones, F Nell.