HANLEY Castle and Upton enjoyed a winning start in Worcestershire Cricket League Division Five at Hagley.

They won by 77 runs to claim 24 points after dismissing the hosts for 221 in reply to 298-5.

Hanley were asked to bat first with Tristan Robinson (21) and Matt Pratley (39) providing a solid base before Rory Mathews smashed 115, including seven sixes and nine fours, and Oli Price added 85 not out.

Hagley's Will Hymer scored 83 and George Hands 34 but young bowlers George White (3-30) and Josh Benson-Smith (6-42) secured victory.

Benson-Smith claimed the crucial wicket of Hymer with four overs left before finishing off the batting with three balls left.