Bank on the rise with win

Dan Evans' side started the day a hair's breadth above what could tunr out to be a four-tem cull of the top division and, although they are still fifth-from bottom, the 20-point cushion the weekend win accrued makes healthier reading.

The hosts were restricted to 179-7 and Bank reached their target with just one wicket in hand.

And Evans' side can stretch the gap on the bottom four further on Saturday when they hosts a Barnards Green side immediately below them in the table (1.30pm start).

But there was no such good news for neighbours Alvechurch, who slumped to a six-wicket capitulation at home to a Droitwich side with an outside chance of promotion.

Martin Curtice's men could only manage an uninspiring 125ao on their own track and there was little surprise when Droitwich knocked off the required runs for just four wickets despite Justin Rose's impressive figures of 4-11.

Defeat leaves Alvechurch second from bottom, 41 points adrift of the Bank and nervously eyeing the Birmingham League where three of the bottom four are from Worcestershire, including struggling neighbours Redditch.

Church visit Bromyard on Saturday (1.30pm start).

Feckenham's chase for the second promotion place in Division Three North hit the buffers on Saturday with a six-wicket reverse at home to Stourport who consolidated the position Feckenham are coveting.

The hosts managed 138-8 on a gloomy day but saw Stourport reach their target for just four wickets to leave the home side 11 points short of second place.

Feckenham visit table topping Oldswinford on Saturday (1.30pm start).

And it was another grim day for Hewell, who stay rooted to the foot of Division Four after a losing draw at home to Brintons.

The visitors posted 193-3 and in reply Hewell could manage only 181-5 to leave them marooned 55 points from the safety mark with only six matches to play.

Hewell visit Belbroughton on Saturday (1.30pm start).