PERSHORE enjoyed a winning start but the Worcestershire Cricket League campaign otherwise began with a whimper.

Twenty-six out of 48 matches were abandoned due to the wet weather, including Evesham’s visit to Redditch where the hosts managed 91-1 in 22.2 overs.

Of those that finished, 10 were settled on scoring rates thanks to the win-lose format being trialled by the league this term.

The value of covers and keen groundstaff were demonstrated as Pershore recorded a comfortable 47-run home victory over Droitwich in Division One.

Returning opener Liam Ridings hit a crucial 52 runs in Pershore's 145 all out from 49.3 overs with Phil Oxley contributing 21 not out.

Droitwich staggered to 98 all out with Tom Pilling taking 4-17 and George Bunn 3-22.

In their first game in the top-flight, promoted Harvington lost by four wickets at Worcester Nomads on scoring rate.

The Vale side managed 160-8 from 46 overs with Jayden Lennox (47no) top scoring and Michael Granacki adding 21.

Relegated Nomads lost six batsmen in reaching a winning 98 from 19.3 overs with two wickets each for Dave Waters and Lennox.

Pershore visit Evesham in a Vale derby on Saturday, while Harvington host Pedmore (both 1pm).

Bredon’s Division Three game at Old Vigornians was abandoned and they are at home to Stourport on Saturday (1pm).

In Second XI Division Two, one game started with Enville defeating Pershore on scoring rate.

Pershore managed 150-6 with Andy Hawes scoring 56 and Naomi Heywood 41 before Enville replied with a rain-hit 125-2.

Evesham’s game with Redditch in Division One and Harvington’s Division Three clash with Romsley and Hunnington were abandoned.

Bredon thrashed Claverley by eight wickets in Division Three with the visitors restricted to 116 all out.

Birlingham begin their campaign down in Division Six at Highley on Saturday after quitting the second XI competition.

Meanwhile, the Cotswold Hills League starts on Saturday with Earlswood looking to defend their Premier Division title at Long Itchington.

Exhall and Wixford, who finished second, host Broadway, while Elmley Castle entertain Shipston-on-Stour after avoiding relegation. Bretforton visit promoted Catherine de Barnes.