BROMSGROVE First XI eased their relegation fears over the Bank Holiday weekend with visits to Shropshire sides Wellington and St Georges.

A rain affected draw was all that was on offer on Saturday but a comfortable six-wicket win over basement side St Georges lifted Town into fifth place in the Birmingham and District League Division One.

Wellington batted first and found runs hard to come by as acting skipper Clive Bennett rotated his bowlers well.

Neale Ingram took four wickets as the home team were bowled out for 160.

The reply could not get going because of persistent rain and Town slipped to 29 for three.

Jerome Connor (34 not out) and Jason Vaughan-Davies (24) steadied the ship to leave the scoreboard on 84 for four when the game was washed out.

Only six points were gained but several key games were abandoned giving sides just two points each.

On Monday, it was vice-captain Paul Duffy's turn to lead the team.

He steered them to victory with 39 not out and enjoyed partnerships with Jamie Campbell (38) and Vaughan-Davies (15).

Earlier, quickie Adrian Field (4-30) and spinner Bennett (4-40) were among the wickets.

Good fielding - including outstanding catches by Ingram and Nick Davies and a run out by Duffy - saw St Georges slip from a promising 91 for three to 130 all out.

Bromsgrove are now 29 points above the dreaded relegation zone.

Injured skipper Nick Husbands said: "We needed a win because draws don't pick you up many points.

"St Georges were going well at one stage but they fell away as we hoped they would."

On Saturday, Bromsgrove entertain Knowle and Dorridge who will have the chance to secure the league title after an outstanding season.

Town hope to delay the party and produce a surprise.

They did just that a couple of seasons ago but one of the heroes that day, Paul Munn, now plays for the top of the table club.