BEWDLEY got back to winning ways with an efficient victory over mid-table Lye in Worcestershire Division Two.

Matt Cowdery asked the visitors to bat on a pitch that offered bowlers a certain amount of hope.

Andy Platt bowled a long probing and economical spell, his 17 overs yielding impressive figures of 2-32. Jack Mills found the pitch to his liking and finished with 5-31, figures which might have been even more striking if the amount of turn he generated had not denied him several LBW decisions.

Simon Mauger cleaned up the tail with 3-24. Lye's innings in fact was a bit of a grind, lasting nearly 49 overs, and producing a modest 127.

Bewdley's reply was anchored by newcomer Michael Stead, who made an untroubled 47 not out.

Minor contributions from Nick Wilkinson and Paul Beard ensured Bewdley's victory with more than 20 overs to spare.

In a season of several exciting home games this was a rare dull contest.

Bewdley remain in second place and travel to Cookley on Saturday and take on Malvern at home on Monday (1pm start) when the win-lose format returns.

Bewdley seconds picked up a fine win away at Hagley on Saturday.

Bewdley skipper, Sam Beasley, won the toss and invited Hagley to bat.

Dan Platt and Grant Morris bowled excellently in tandem restricting scoring opportunities and picking up wickets at the same time. Batchelor (82) and Hancock (48) batted well to help Hagley to a total of 235 after they were 100-5.

Bewdley's reply did not start well. Some good bowling coupled with some bad shot selections saw Bewdley reduced to 103-6.

Jadayel bowling a very testing line deservedly picking up three wickets.

Connor Franklin (106) and Beasley (49) then batted well in partnership after Beasley had been given a couple of lifelines.

Franklin batted excellently in the situation and deservedly recorded his second century of the season and saw Bewdley home to a four wicket victory.

The win sees Bewdley move into mid-table and alleviates the threat of relegation.

Bank holiday weekend sees the seconds host Cookley on Saturday and travel to Pedmore on Monday.