A MASTERLY innings of 91 not out from Simon Mauger sealed a victory for Bewdley over Colwall in Worcestershire League Division One.

Chasing Colwall’s total of 211-7, Bewdley got off to a steady start as Paul Beard and Nick Wilkinson (26) added 48 for the first wicket.

After Wilkinson was trapped in front of the stumps adjudged LBW for 26, Mauger was soon into his stride.

Beard (46) for once was not at his very best, but his partnership of 106 with Mauger of 106 effectively decided the outcome.

Robert Combes (28) again produced an explosive cameo, leaving little to do for the middle order, Bewdley sailing home with an over or so to spare.

Mauger was at no stage in difficulties, as he hit 13 fours, and dealt ruthlessly with everything the Colwall bowling attack could throw at him.

Earlier, Jack Mills made inroads into the Colwall batting after an opening stand of 63 He took four of the first five wickets, despite Colwall’s attempts to hit him out of the attack.

From 104-5, Bewdley's rivals made a recovery of sorts through captain Max Backhouse (48) and Sam Crichard (37), but Mills continued to bowl economically, and Tom Bingham’s excellent spell of 3-49 ensured that Colwall’s total was never going to be out of Bewdley’s reach.

Third-placed Bewdley visit Belbroughton on Saturday.