PERSHORE fought an uphill struggle from the first ball in a Worcestershire League Division One defeat to Redditch.

Skipper Stephen Cooper lost the toss and Pershore's top order failed to fire against last season's relegated team from the Birmingham League.

After losing Mark Stevens in the third over, Phil Oxley (58) and Lee Wilks (36) did impress.

But their colleagues were unable to post a substantial score and the innings closed on a disappointing 177-7 from 50 overs. Neville Mason bowled his customary long spell for the visitors and took three wickets.

In reply, Redditch soon lost skipper Dan Protherough but the arrival of Hafiz Khalid Mahmood immediately put a different complexion on the game.

Pershore were quickly on the back foot after the overseas import luckily survived an early caught-behind ruling.

Mahmood steadily increased his scoring rate with immense hitting and scored his 100 in just 65 balls.

He remained unbeaten on 113 not out, including 12 fours and eight sixes, as they passed the target with 20 overs to spare.

Luke Dalley claimed two wickets and was backed up by the luckless Lachlan McKenzie.

In Division Seven, Pershore Thirds defeated Harborne comfortably after amassing 228-8.

Dean Brookes (80no), Billington (31), Harrison (17) and Emsley (17) helped them to the impressive total from 45 overs.

Skipper Jason Brown then ripped through Harbourne with 5-24 as they were bowled out for just 60.