ALVECHURCH and Hopwood stretched their lead on top of Worcester County league to 17 points after beating promotion rivals Rushwick by 42 runs.

Inserted to bat first, Alvechurch posted an impressive 247 all out with seven balls remaining, Syed Shah leading the charge with 56.

Rushwick took up the chase in reply, but fell short on 205 all out as both Mark Woollatt and Chris Batterley helped themselves to three wickets.

Spokesman Mark Woollatt said: "We've made an excellent start to the season and have beaten one of our main rivals in the process.

"What is more pleasing is the fact we haven't played any of the bottom sides yet."

Alvechurch travel to play Harborne's third XI this Saturday.