ALVECHURCH and Hopwood were beaten in their battle of the bottom with Bromyard and are now firm favourites to be relegated from Worcester County League Division Two.

James Owens with 65 and fellow opening bat Greg Leighton on 71 not out laid the foundation for a large Bromyard total.

But Alvechurch bowlers John Pinsent and Ivan Burgess clawed matters back.

Both claimed three wickets as Bromyard were bowled out for 204 all out in the 44th over.

Alvechurch were unable to take advantage in reply Only Charanjit Singh (42) made any real impression with the bat as Alvechurch were bowled out for 165.

Leighton crowned a fine display by taking three for 35 off 10 overs while Josh Van Rensburg bagged 3-42.

It left Alvechurch and Hopwood 39 runs short which means they are now 40 points adrift of Bromyard and in bottom spot.