THERE was promotion joy for Bewdley and Stourport in the Worcestershire County League last weekend.

Bewdley secured second place in Division Two with a four-wicket win over Wormelow to ensure they will be returning to the top level.

Meanwhile, Stourport bounced back immediately from last season’s relegation as they stormed to take the Division Three title.

Bewdley had needed just four points to make sure of the runners-up spot and promotion as they restricted Wormelow to 196-9, with Rob Combes (4-33) and Simon Mauger (3-39) in good form.

Chasing 197, opening batsman Ben Stead (90) top-scored as Bewdley made 197-6.

There was more success for Stourport, who won a hard-fought race for top spot to pip Harborne by two points.

With the previous league leaders going down to Chaddesley Corbett by 38 runs, the Wyre Forest side just needed a victory to put the icing on the cake for a fine summer.

Bowling first, Stourport skittled Alveley for a below-par 204, with Craig Siwicki (3-41), Bevan Neill (3-18) and Gavin Bryan (2-39) all recording fine figures.

In reply, Stourport lost Spencer Colley (8) early on, before Neil Bailey (47 not out) joined man-of-the-match Bevan Neill (118no) at the crease to take Stourport to 207-1 and a nine-wicket victory in the 38th over.

Having sealed victory at 5.44pm, they then had an anxious two-hour wait for confirmation Harborne had lost.

The Seconds finished their first season in Division One with victory at local rivals Bewdley to finish fourth in a very competitive division.

l Mid-table Cookley concluded their Division Two campaign with a three-wicket loss to Lye.

Mark Bennett (60) top scored, while Andy Gorol hit a 46 as Cookley posted 255.

Charlie Pestridge, 17, recorded his best ever Cookley bowling figures of 4-32. The defeat saw the first eleven finish the season in a respectable sixth position.

l Chaddesley Corbett saw Iman Yousaf hit 95 runs as they made 282 all out.

Mohammed Sadiq took three wickets as Harborne were dismissed for 244.

Team photo Back L to R Ethan Lockwood, Lee Waldron, Arran O’Malley, Spencer Colley, Neil Bailey, Mike Pratt, Gavin Bryan Front Chris Parry, Bevan Neill, Craig Siwicki, Matt Delo, Ryan Delo, Gary Dickinson (Scorer) Kind Regards Alan Lockwood