BEWDLEY CC lost ground on their title-rivals in the Worcestershire League Division Two after they were held to a losing draw by Pedmore.

The result meant that Bewdley slipped to third and were left 53 points behind leaders Droitwich.

After winning the toss and asking the home side to bat, Bewdley were in control early on with out many runs scored.

Wickets did begin to fall after big hitting from opener Danny Skelding (56). Bewdley then began to stem the flow of runs thanks mainly to spinner Jack Mills (1-41) and Martyn Carr (3-68).

However, Danny MacDonnell's brilliant 99 guided the home side to an impressive 247.

Bewdley's reply got off to a good start with opener Paul Beard (62) once again going past 50.

Wickets did begin to fall cheaply until captain Matt Cowdery (64) and Martyn Carr (38) came to the crease. Needing four off the last over, Bewdley lost two crucial wickets and ended on 246-9.

The seconds recorded arguably their most impressive win of the season on Saturday, defeating league-leaders Pedmore by 38 runs and a first 24-point haul of the season leaves them hot on the heels of the first two.

Batting first, Bewdley were restricted to 190-7 thanks to some disciplined bowling, particularly from Mark Rigby who recorded excellent figures of 4-34 off his 17 overs.

Ben Jones Snr (61) notched his fourth half-century of the season, while some good hitting at the end from Richard Harris (33) and Ewan Peer (30 no) steered Bewdley to no more than an average total.

Their opponents made a solid start to their reply but David Richardson (3-29) swung the game in Bewdley's favour with some vital wickets as Pershore were bowled out for 152.

The Sunday seconds got the better of Bromsgrove, with Richardson starring with the bat and ball.

Bewdley’s 215-9 was built around his maiden century, while Bromsgrove were bowled out for 187 after good displays from Luke Cooper, Ben Allsopp and Aidan Laverty.