BEWDLEY rose to fourth in Division One with this convincing win over Hagley.

Bewdley’s sizeable total of 288-8 was founded on a second wicket partnership of 127 between Simon Mauger (62) and Rob Combes (100) who matched each other fun for fun in an entertaining liaison characterised by some splendid running between the wickets.

Combes’s first century of the season came off just 109 balls with seven fours and two sixes.

In-form Mike Harris (34) kept up the momentum in a marvellous little cameo of 34, and Robert Crane’s enterprising 29 not out took up only nine balls.

Hagley’s innings got off to a poor start with Joe Lucas taking his customary early wicket.

Jack Mills (2-17) followed up with the valuable wickets of Paul Morgan and James Spavin, and Tom Bingham and Crane also picked up a brace of wickets.

Combes, in his unaccustomed role of wicketkeeper, clung on to four catches. Bewdley’s victory was completed with the minimum of fuss with 13 overs to spare.

Bewdley visit Colwall on Saturday (1pm start).

The seconds defeated Hagley by four wickets.

Put into bat, Hagley made 260-9 in 50 overs with Fady Jadayel score 83 runs, while Chris Darby, Dan Platt and Luke Groves taking two wickets each.

Robin Drake then bagged 100 runs as Bewdley reached 261-6.