BEWDLEY'S topsy turvy season continued with a satisfying win against old rivals Hagley.

Asked to bat on a green-tinged pitch, Bewdley's batsmen realised the need for application rather than flair.

In the corresponding game in May Rob Combes scored 197 not out, but now his innings of 49 from 67 balls proved just as valuable.

He was well supported by Connor Franklin with a dogged 30. Robert Crane's 41 not out was as near as any batsman got to dominance, and his partnership of 44 with Jack Mills (21) took Bewdley to a useful of total of 184.

Hagley's reply stuttered along, and though six of their batsmen reached double figures none of them was able to score quickly enough to threaten victory.

Andy Platt (1-35) and Martyn Carr (1-25) each took an early wicket, Joe Smith (1-28) again bowled a full quota of tidy off spin, and Josh Freestone (2-22) was penetrative and economical.

Skipper Mills was again the main wicket taker with 4-26. Bewdley are still only twenty points behind league leaders Redditch. They visit Cookley on Saturday.