BEWDLEY CC got back on track in the Worcestershire League Division Two as they inflicted an 138-run defeat on Alvechurch and Hopwood on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bewdley lost opener Ben Jones off the first ball of the game.

Paul Beard steadied the ship with 55 runs and was well supported by Simon Smith (36).

Gareth Lewis was the hero of the day as his 111 not out off 102 balls put Bewdley in charge.

Captain Matt Cowdery (48) helped Lewis in a stand of 139 for the fifth wicket and Bewdley set the visitors a mammoth 307 for victory.

Bewdley made early in-roads into Alvechurch's batting line-up, dismissing their openers.

However, Martin Haywood (55) seemed to steady the ship before Martyn Carr (2-52) dismissed him.

Jack Mills (3-26) and Mike Harris (2-22) also bowled well for Bewdley.

A late flurry from Lionel Lee (19) and Neil Evans (22) briefly threatened to hold Bewdley up but Mills caught the last wicket as Alvechurch slumped to 168 all out with eight overs to spare.

The second team continued their unbeaten run with a winning draw against Alvechurch.

Martin Flack's 112 was the bedrock of Bewdley's innings as they made 249-8.

Alvechurch made a strong start to their reply, reaching 100 in no time for the loss of just one wicket.

In a crucial period of the game, two wickets fell in quick succession and several run outs also helped Bewdley's cause.

Alvechurch needed 13 runs off the last last over but they had to settle for a share of the points as they fell a single run short.