BEWDLEY’S good run in Worcestershire Division One continued with a comfortable 58 run victory over second-placed Droitwich.

On a pitch which drew rave reviews from the umpires, the hosts ran up a substantial total.

Opener Paul Beard continued his superb form with an accomplished 96, which included 8 fours and 2 sixes, and it came as a shock when he fell lbw so close to his century.

Simon Mauger (42) dominated an opening partnership of 72. Gareth Lewis, Bewdley’s other in-form batsman, made an attractive 46, and various other useful contributions saw Bewdley to a commanding total of 275-8 from their 50 overs.

Droitwich’s reply got off to a good start with Jake Young and his brother Max both looking dangerous. Their stand reached 77, but Andy Platt yorked Jake Young for 24, and then Max, having hit Jack Mills for an enormous six, was bowled by the left arm spinner for 72 from 77 balls.

Droitwich’s innings, while not quite turning into a procession, never threatened to challenge for victory – although Paul Bryan made 27 before being run out and David Lane contributed 33 before being stumped.

Mills finished with 3-41, and paceman Joe Lucas took 3-42.

Bewdley’s satisfaction with the win was rather marred when talismanic captain Matt Cowdery had to abandon his wicketkeeping duties with a recurrence of his thumb injury.

Bewdley remain fourth in the table and travel to Bromyard on Saturday when the win lose draw format returns (1pm start).