BEWDLEY eased their relegation worries in Worcestershire County League Division One with a convincing win at home to Droitwich.

In contrast to the previous week’s lamentable performance, Bewdley were superior in all aspects of the game.

Surprisingly asked to bat on a blameless pitch, they shrugged off the loss of an early wicket with an enterprising second-wicket stand between Simon Mauger (67) and Gareth Lewis (37) who both batted very fluently.

A slight wobble saw Bewdley reduced to 137-4, but Rob Combes (34) then joined Charlie Eastoe in a stand of 85.

The lower order all lent significant support to Eastoe in taking Bewdley to the relative security of 294-8.

His splendid 98 came from only 79 balls, with 11 fours and some excellent running between the wickets.

In reply, Droitwich lost the important wicket of Max Young (0) in the first over and, despite a spirited 52 from Ash Fearnall, wickets fell regularly.

In marked contrast to the previous week all the Bewdley bowlers were reasonably economical.

Martyn Carr (3-40) again provided a cutting edge, and Jack Mills tore through the middle order with 4-26, his unerring accuracy being rewarded with a couple of lbw decisions.

Droitwich were bowled out in the 37th over for 161. Bewdley make the short trip to Stourport on Saturday (1pm).