VALE sides are leading the way in the higher reaches of the Worcestershire Cricket League.

Pershore and Bredon jumped to the top of Divisions One and Two respectively with victories.

A 101-run thrashing of mid-table Redditch helped Pershore edge three points ahead of Droitwich at the summit.

Will Green was again in the runs with 56 in the visitors’ 229 all out, supported by stand-in skipper Chris Ayliffe (44), Matt Brace (35) and Andrew Robertson (25).

Redditch could not get going in reply and were dismissed for 128 in 48.3 overs with Taylor Pugh taking 5-31, Brace 3-38 and Leon Wiffen 2-33.

Bredon secured a 74-run home win over Coombs Wood when their bowlers removed the visitors for 142 inside 40 overs after the villagers set 216-9.

Tim McVicker (50) played a leading role batting at number five, while Martin Hill (25) and openers Martyn Draper (23) and Jamie Munro (23) all chipped in.

Despite a promising show from Wood’s openers, Bredon shared the wickets around to ensure their fine unbeaten start to the season continued, establishing a four-point lead at the top.

Simon Riches (3-35), Dominic Fenney (2-19) and Jamie Diamond (2-27) enjoyed the most success with the ball.

Improving Evesham secured their second win from six games in Division Two after bowling struggling hosts Harborne thirds out for 165 and passing the target with 167-6 for a four-wicket success.

After Adieel Aftab took 3-13 and Mohammed Fahim Maan 4-34, Muhammad Saqib (65) dominated with the bat before Sajjad Khan (19 not out) guided the eighth-placed Vale side home inside 31 overs.

But Harvington are in the Division Four relegation zone following a five-wicket home loss to Bromsgrove thirds.

Jethro Chadwick’s 4-47 could not stop the visitors winning with 168-5 after Sam Bannister scored 40 and Simon Rickett 41 in Harvington’s 166 all out.

Meanwhile, Ollie Forbes blasted 143 as second-placed Dumbleton won by 65 runs at Stroud in the West of England Premier League Gloucester Division.