TITLE-CHASING Pershore impressed despite being frustrated by Astwood Bank’s last pair of batsmen as they had to settle for a winning draw in their Birmingham League Division Two fixture on Saturday.
Pershore, having set a target of 248, ploughed through the late order at Sambourne Lane.
Bank had recovered from 61-4 with a 101-run fifth-wicket stand led by a cracking 81 from 63 balls by Tom Underhill and Pete Alexander (27).
However, their departures prompted a collapse to 183-9.
The last pair of David Sewell and Dan Brookes, however, managed to see out the final overs to 184-9 to take eight points.
Taylor Pugh, returning from injury, was the pick of the bowlers with 3-38 off 17 overs, with two wickets apiece for Charlie Cross (2-15), Darren Critcher (2-36) and Steve Miles (2-37).
Earlier, Pershore, having won the toss and elected to bat, had progressed to 247-9, led by Chris Miles. He scored 78 off 126 deliveries, including 12 fours and one six, and there were further contributions from skipper Chris Ridings who hit 40 off 44 deliveries, Andrew Hill (37 off 32) and opener Liam Ridings (33 off 45).
Jake Price took 4-60 and Dan Taylor 3-50 for Astwood Bank.
Pershore, who lie in fifth place but only 11 points behind leaders Walmley, entertain second-placed Harborne on Saturday.
Opener Arshad Mahmood fell eight runs short of a splendid century for Pershore 2nds, but his innings was not enough to earn victory in the Second XI First Division.
Mahmood hit 92, with 14 fours and one six, to help Pershore to 231-7 after their 50 overs at home to Astwood Bank, with Lee Wilks (41) also impressing.
However, Bank eased to their target with five wickets and four overs in hand, led by Connor Adams’ 81 not out and 61 from Chris Perkins.
Pershore 2nds, who remain at the foot of the table, travel to table-toppers Bromsgrove on Saturday.
