ALVECHURCH and Hopwood CC remain top of the table despite the league leaders slipping to a two-wicket defeat at Lye 3rds.
A half-century from opener and captain Ben Evans and good runs from Charlie Bolton saw Alvechurch reach 197 all out at Stourbridge Road.
However, Lye’s middle order performed strongly with the bat as Ovais Qamar’s half-century helped the home side to a narrow victory.
Despite the defeat, Alvechurch sit 21 points clear at the top of the Worcestershire County League Division Six North table.
Lye won the toss and elected to field as Alvechurch openers Evans (55) and Mike Gilmour (25) put on 80 runs for the first wicket.
However, both batters fell in quick succession as Evans departed for a run-a-ball 55 which included six fours and two maximums.
Bolton (46) propelled Alvechurch beyond the 150-run mark and found support at the crease from David Fleming (28).
Alvechurch reached 197 all out in 43.2 overs as four Lye bowlers took two wickets apiece.
The visitors made an early inroad with the ball as Joshua Cliff (1-35) removed Lye opener Imraz Khan (1).
However, the rest of Lye’s top order all scored well while Qamar (50) reached a half-century in 57 balls before Evans (2-42) took the crucial scalp.
C Bolton (2-12) and Jonah Bolton (2-32) chipped in with two wickets apiece but Lye had enough to reach the required total in 42.2 overs with two wickets to spare.
Alvechurch and Hopwood are next in action against Halesowen 4ths on Saturday, July 11 with play to begin at 12.30pm at Alvechurch Cricket Ground.
