CHADDESLEY avoided relegation from Division One of the Worcestershire County League at the expense of neighbours Belbroughton.

Needing to secure eight points to be sure of survival, Chaddesley's task was made more difficult by losing the toss and being sent into bat.

Belbroughton, who would have avoided the drop if they had won, soon dismissed openers George Baylis and Simon Mauger, but Matt Boden and Jon Masefield steadied the ship in a third wicket partnership of 44.

Both fell in the space of three overs as four wickets fell for 13 runs but Matt Perkins scored an excellent 32 and found support from Dan Wiseman and Paul Connolly as the last 10 overs realised 65, with Tom Boden smashing the final ball for six.

Chasing 172 to stay up and send Chaddesley down, Belbroughton made the perfect start. The first wicket did not fall until Tom Boden bowled Dave Scriven for 18 in the 13th over. Connolly was introduced in the 10th over of the innings and his economical spin bowling was to prove decisive.

Together with Dan Wiseman, Chaddesley bowled themselves back into the game and the last 10 overs began with 49 needed and five wickets standing. Matt Boden took an excellent catch running backwards from cover to dismiss Chris Baggs for 34 and Chaddesley were finally in control. Ed Baylis, bowled the last five overs for just 14 as Belbroughton finished 23 runs short.

Chaddesley 171-9 (J Masefield 36; M Perkins 32; R Hawk 5-46) Belbroughton 148-9 (C Baggs 34; D Avery 34; P Connolly 4-35; E baylis 2-14).

Chaddesley's first team ended the season with an exciting four-wicket win over West Hagley in Sunday's friendly fixture.

West Hagley 191-6 (S Gould 57; J Garbett 54*; D Roddis 2-51) Chaddesley 192-6 (D Wiseman 126; S Boden 47; A Long 2-10).

l Other league results: Division One second teams: Belbroughton 142 (3 points) (T Gillis 52no, D Perry 4-35) Chaddesley Corbett 144-6 (20).

Division Two first teams: Cookley 144-8 (24) Alvechurch and Hopwood 118 (3), Eastnor 72 (0) Stourport 73-2 (20).

Division Two second teams: Eastnor 87 (1) (G Mills 5-32) Stourport 88-4 (20).

Division Four: Alvechurch and Hopwood (8) v Stone (8) - match abandoned; Cleobury 167-9 (13) Brintons 85-7 (6), Fladbury 134 (2) (M Evans 5-45), Cutnall Green 135-4 (20) (N Fletcher 70no).