RYAN Driver's second successive league century powered Barnt Green to an important eight-wicket win against bottom-half rivals Kidderminster on Saturday.

The Worcestershire batsman hit 108 as the home side dispatched their Birmingham and District Premier Division rivals in fine style.

It was a game both teams needed to win to avoid getting dragged into a relegation dogfight.

After winning the toss, Lyndon Jones inserted the visitors on a good looking strip.

Green kept the runs down early on but couldn't quite force the breakthrough they were looking for.

The persistence of Neeraj Prabhu paid off with the dismissal of skipper Mark Mansell.

Worcestershire prospect Richard Wilkinson settled in for a long knock and played some handsome cover drives as Green failed to capitalise on the youngster's weakness against the short ball.

He edged and spliced several defensive shots but nothing went to a fielder.

Green's other County star, former England spinner Richard Illingworth, was in typically miserly form as he took 2-54 off 22 overs.

Kidderminster finally finished on 209-3 off 60 overs with Wilkinson reaching 103 not out.

In reply, Green started positively against the old ball with Matt Dallaway and Driver running well and blasting anything loose.

When Dallaway (43) chipped a catch to square leg, Driver was joined by Lord's-bound Herefordshire player Prabhu.

The home batters never really looked in danger with Driver lashing the spinners all around Cherry Hill Road to bring up his ton.

His dismissal brought in Aussie Ross Lupton (24 not out) who brought matters to an abrupt close.

Jones said: "That win creates a big gap between us and the bottom two.

"The Worcestershire players certainly made a difference.

"Ryan has been getting hundreds to press his claim for a recall to the County first team and Illingworth gave us some much needed control.

"I'm certain we would have chased anything on that track but it definitely would have been a bigger target without Illingworth.

"The guys draw a lot of confidence from that class of player and learn a few things too."