TENBURY CC suffered a hat-trick of defeats for the first time this season as their lingering Worcestershire League promotion hopes were finally laid to rest.

They finished on the wrong end of a 95-run verdict against new Division Five table-toppers Astwood Bank 3rd, who are now set to steal the title from long-time leaders Stourport 3rd.

Jack Farrar pocketed four wickets as Astwood Bank made 210-7 off 50 overs, but Tenbury were soon struggling as Tom Pugh (to a return catch off the first ball) and Kier Sellars (lbw two balls later offering no stroke)?perished in the opening over without a run on the board.

The swing of Dennis Freeman (6-37) did most of the damage and although Andy Adams stuck around to make 23, and Henry Anton contributed an unbeaten 34, Tenbury were dismissed for 121.

Skipper Steve Giles admitted: “Zack Yarranton and Robbie Farrar bowled really tightly and we kept them down to 60-odd off 25 overs. After that they gave it a thrash but we thought 211 was gettable. Being 0-2 left us with a lot of rebuilding and we weren’t up to it.”

Tenbury 2nd enjoyed the best of a winning draw against Astwood Bank 4th, Ian Taylor taking 4-39 off ten overs in Astwood’s 169, and Darren Thompson hitting 40 of Tenbury’s 155-5, and they now need four points from their final fixture at Barnt Green 4th to finish runners-up.

On Sunday Tenbury wind up their season with the annual Overs 35s v Under 35s match at Penlu.

There was no joy for Cleobury Mortimer with the firsts going down by nine wickets to Division Three leaders Himbleton after being shot out for 126, Nick Griffiths top-scoring with 31. Cleobury 2nd suffered a seven-wicket loss to Himbleton 2nd, despite Sam Evans making 51 of their 116.