BEWDLEY are still hunting a first victory in Worcestershire League Division One as visitors Pershore won by 96 runs.

The home team took an early wicket but Coetsee joined Cooper at the crease and things began to go downhill for Bewdley.

Vice-captain Mark Edwards returned from injury but was only able to bowl seven overs.

An early chance to break the second wicket partnership was missed with Cooper and Coetsee adding 117.

Mark Bennett bowled well to keep the middle order quiet and when Pershore hit out for quick runs in the last 10 overs, Mark Venross came on for a successful spell, taking 4-28.

Bewdley's reply soon ran into trouble as Pershore held the first of many good catches.

Bennett tried to hold the innings together, scoring 39, but no-one stayed with him for long.

Captain Simon Smith (21) and Andy Hartley (20) had brisk but brief knocks before the tail-enders swung the bat with little effect.

Pershore 234-8 (24 points), Bewdley 138 (4).

At Pershore, Bewdley seconds had to settle for a losing draw when they ultimately found a target of 247 by Pershore too great.

Pershore started with an opening partnership of 132 and Scott Fowler deserved more than two wickets for Bewdley.

Bewdley started well as Pete Mauger scored 25, then Andy Robinson played the innings of the day with 76.

They appeared to have a chance of winning when, with 17 overs left, they needed 110 and had eight wickets left.

Crucial wickets were then lost and maximum batting points became the target.

This was achieved with a bright innings from young Andy James.

Pershore 246-6 (14 points), Bewdley 210-6 (8).