LEADERS Droitwich continued their early season batting form in a high-scoring winning draw against Bromyard in Worcestershire League Division One.

They posted 258-8 before visiting Bromyard closed on 251-8, just seven runs shy of victory, at the end of 100 overs.

Worcester Nomads, previous joint leaders, were unable to take advantage despite a hat-trick from skipper Ben Schiffmann in an 86-run defeat against Hagley.

James Spavin’s patient 88 laid the foundations of Hagley’s 231 all out, with Schiffmann bagging 4-56.

Craig Bray then snapped up 5-40 as Nomads were shot out for a disappointing 145. Hagley have climbed to third in the table.

Bewdley are now second and enjoying their return to the top flight as they cruised to a four-wicket success against Belbroughton.

After dismissing Belbroughton for 129, Bewdley eased home for the loss of six wickets and now trail Droitwich by just nine points.

Pershore held their nerve to record a second successive victory, in a thrilling two-wicket triumph against Colwall off the final delivery of the game.

After posting 206-8, Pershore restricted Colwall to 205-9 and are now just three points adrift of Nomads and11 in front of Hagley.

Waqas Ali’s 7-49 fired Redditch to a 52-run success against Burghill & Tillington, while Oldswinford demolished struggling Pedmore by seven wickets thanks to a quick-fire 83 from Lee Nightingale.

Table-topping Cookley marched on in Division Two, winning by six wickets at Lye after bowling out the hosts for 193.

Stourport overtook Bredon in the table after a nine-wicket mauling of bottom side Malvern, who were skittled out for 86. Lee Waldron took 5-32 and Gavin Bryan 4-47. In reply, Bevan Neill made 48 not out as Stourport romped home in the 17th over.

Bredon had to settle for a losing draw at home to Evesham after closing on 191-9 in reply to the visitors’ 206 all out.

Dominies have climbed to fourth after beating Wormelow by just eight runs in an exciting contest.

Dominies posted 193, with Lee Watkins taking 5-32 for Wormelow and Stephen Williams hitting 56. Andy Hill then took 4-55 as the Herefordshire side were dismissed for 185.