Harvington 161-2, Evesham Casuals 119-5.

HARVINGTON posted the highest score in the Worcestershire Indoor Cricket League this season to go top after a 42-run victory over Evesham Casuals.

Batting first, Harvington’s Nic Powell and Derek Austin took 30 off the first three overs. Powell then smashed a quick-fire 17 off Rich Steed’s second over for 25.

Adam Lee joined him and, when Austin retired, his son Lewis joined Lee to see the 100 up after eight overs.

Ashley Mitchell was introduced to the attack but his wayward length saw his first over going for 22.

But Mitchell hit back in his next two overs, bowling Pete Smith round his legs and having James Towey well caught by Andy Stanley.

This only saw the return of Powell and Austin, as their side posted a massive 161-2.

Evesham got off to the worst possible start and were reduced to 4-2, losing Steeds, run out by some slick fielding and next ball Will Lloyd was bowled by Powell.

But Stanley showed his class and, with Pete Cross, took another 22 in an over off Lee.

The recovery was short-lived, however, with Cross run out in the next over and Les Griffiths well caught by Towey to slump to 46-4.

Last man Mitchell showed his fighting spirit and, with Stanley, added another 40 before the latter was run out for 47. Mitchell just kept going and reached his 50 off the last ball of the innings.

Great Alne 129-3, The Boxmen 116-5.

MATT Waters and Steve Temple opened for Great Alne but Waters was unable to cope with the guile of Mike Griffiths, who conceded only one off his first over.

In the second over, Tim Cull went for 17 and Alne were back on track.

Temple was run out in the fifth over and skipper Will Pethick joined Waters to take the score along at 10-an-over to 80 after eight overs.

David Lawrence’s pace slowed the run-rate, only conceding 10 off his first two overs.

With James Cawthorn and Luke Brerton run out in quick succession, The Boxmen were back in the game. Andy Green and Waters had other ideas, smashing 21 off the last over to reach 129-3.

Stuart Tame and Jason Haines led The Boxmen’s reply but the first ball of the second over saw Tame well caught by keeper Temple off Cawthorn.

Then, an unlucky miss-hit led to the run out of skipper Lawrence and The Boxmen were struggling, and eventually ended up 13 short.