PERSHORE sit nine points clear at the top of Birmingham League Division Three following a crushing 168-run victory at Worfield on Saturday.
Pershore, who have won five of their six league matches this season, won the toss and opted to bat on a hot and humid afternoon.
However, they were reduced to 42-3 as Worfield’s opening bowlers made good use of the swing-friendly conditions, backed up by some excellent fielding.
Pershore dug deep and an 88-run partnership between Liam Ridings (49) and Chris Ridings (42) got the innings back on track.
The visitors maintained the momentum after the Ridings brothers were out through valuable contributions from Charlie Norton (30), Lee Wilks (21no) and an impressive and creative 52 from Matt Brace off 47 balls.
Pershore finished on 265-7 off their 55 overs and this was to prove more than sufficient as in reply Worfield’s top order struggled to deal with opening bowler Joe Taylor’s control and movement of the ball.
Taylor removed both openers with the first ball he bowled at them, both thanks to superb catches by Norton, as he took 4-24 in his game-changing spell of seven overs.
Wilks and Taylor Pugh provided further control with their spin bowling as they took a wicket apiece, before the other spinner Brace came on to mop up the tail.
His 4-28 ended the innings in the 26th over as Worfield were bowled out for just 97, with their only resistance coming from Joseph Arnold who scored 44 off 35 balls.
Pershore host fifth placed Fordhouses on Saturday.
Pershore 2nds also recorded a comfortable Division Two South 2nd XI win against visitors Dorridge, who were bowled out for 222. James Towey (4-48) and Will Palmer (3-23) were the key bowlers.
In reply Pershore reached the target in less than 28 overs as Gregor Hearn’s blistering 110 off just 61 balls and Alex Brown (50no) led the way to a six-wicket victory.
Second placed Pershore, with four wins from six matches, visit third placed Bromsgrove on Saturday.