PERSHORE'S seconds slammed their Nuneaton counterparts by 203 runs to gain promotion to Birmingham League Division One (2nd XI).

Defending a single-point advantage over rivals Stratford, Pershore plundered 20 points in style to go one better than the first team that missed out in its final-day shootout.

Having been put in to bat, the hosts suffered a shaky start but were inspired by Chris Miles who mustered an unbeaten 102 from just 106 deliveries, a knock that featured no fewer than 11 boundaries.

Alongside Sam Cross, who managed 65 from 68 balls, Miles helped to put on 141 for the third wicket to take the match away from Nuneaton.

Lee Wilks (4-11) and Tom Pilling (4-15) then wreaked havoc with the ball with tail-ender Paul Lovick (15) the only Nuneaton player to hit double figures in a meagre total of 46 all out.

Skipper Jon Stickler said: “There was some pressure on us to win but the lads performed superbly. It’s a shame the firsts were unable to win today to also gain promotion but it’s been another hugely successful year for the club.”