ON winning the toss Corinthians had no hesitation in bowling first on a hard, fast track.

HANLEY CASTLE & UPTON v WORCESTER CORINTHIANS

Their opening pace attack of S Ali and J Riaz bowled with aggression but without luck. The early dismissal of Heath being the only wicket in the first ten overs. Jake Hannah looked in good form for a well crafted 20 but on his dismissal Mathews (76) was joined by Julian Lambert (101no) who proceeded to construct one of the finest centuries seen on the ground.

His timing and placement of shots was impeccable as he carried his bat to the close with Hanley on the heady heights of 267-3.

In reply Corinthians found the going tough against some accurate bowling from Steve Burch (12-1-56-3) and Hannah (9-1-21-1), but the star of the bowling, as with the bat, turned out to be Julian Lambert who claimed 4-37 in a superb all round match winning display.

The last wicket pair of Steggles (25) and Lavell (18no) caused an anxious moment or two before Hanley wrapped the game up with eight overs to spare, claiming maximum points in their promotion bid.