WORCESTER began their season with a one-wicket victory over Droitwich.

After winning the toss and chosing to field, Dan Keyte's side started strongly with South African Matt Smyth picking up three early wickets to leave the home side on 40-3.

Scores of 30 or more from Andy Van Vuuren, Neil Wright and captain Andy Fletcher looked to have stabalised the Droitwich innings, but at no stage were they able to increase the scoring rate as James Wagstaff bowled a 15-over spell, picking up an impressive 5-52.

Droitwich were dismissed for 147 in the 47th over.

Worcester's chase looked to be comfortable as Dan McKay (43) and Rich Franklin (27) moved the score onto 80-1.

However, a flourish of wickets reduced Worcester to 100-8, with Van Vuuren and Mike Rogers picking three apiece, and Goddard two.

A resilient lower order was able to secure a one-wicket victory for the visitors as Nick Walker battled hard for 12 and 16-year-old Oliver Peppiatt scored an unbeaten 25.

That left overseas player Smyth at number 11 to score the winning run in the 49th over.

In a low-scoring but exciting match, Old Vigornians were the only side to beat the weather in Division Four South, defeating Himbleton by 13 runs.

OVs won the toss and decided to bat first. After being 1-2 in the first over and 12-3 in the fourth over, Will Smith and Dave Mendham were the only two batsmen who were patient against a disciplined Himbleton attack.

After a stand of 58, Smith edged to the keeper off the excellent Yates, who returned figures of 5-29, and departed for a hard-fought 29.

Wickets started to tumble once again around Mendham, who hit two big sixes in his superb 43, before he was given out lbw.

Defending a low total of 102, skipper Liam Fahy knew that a disciplined bowling attack was going to be crucial and he was not to be disappointed.

After a steady opening partnership of 26, Smith finally beat Preece's defence to start Himbleton wickets tumbling.

Smith bowled with good aggression and an excellent line and length for 5-35.

He was ably supported by Charlie Daniell, in his first match for almost a year, and Asmat Riaz, whose first four overs were maidens. Underwood and Mendham also picked up a wicket each.

Steve Poole diving full stretch to his right was the fielding highlight, while Bader, Riaz and Parry also took good catches to ensure victory.