HAGLEY held on to top spot in Division Two despite only picking up a winning draw at Burghill and Tillington.

It was a day when the visitors bowling failed to match an excellent batting display which saw them rack up a mammoth 380-5 from their 50 overs.

Openers Simon James (62) and Joe Lennon (57) put on 117 for the first wicket before James fell to Denholm Smith (1-73). Lennon was joined by Aussie Chad Hitchcock (52) who also played some fantastic strokes.

But these knocks were all overshadowed by the efforts of Amjad Ali who smashed an unbeaten 111 off just 55 balls, including eight fours and 11 sixes. The Burghill bowlers simply had no answer to Ali's array of shots.

Craig Bray (1-55) then struck early with the ball to give Hagley hope of skittling a shell-shocked Burghill. Jack Hale (67) provided some defiance as the hosts reached 118-2, before the introduction of Ali to the attack.

He took 5-43 during a bowling spell almost as deadly as that with the bat.

But his efforts could not be matched by the rest of the attack and an unbeaten 24 from Alex Hedges saw Burghill hang on at 215-8.

Hagley remained top despite rivals Coombs Wood drawing level on points. They host Wormelow next week.

Skipper Russ Andrews said: “It was disappointing not to get the win as Burghill blocked out for the draw from the start and the bowlers didn’t quite get it right today - apart from Amjad who was superb with bat and ball.”

Hagley seconds crashed to a heavy defeat at home to Worcester Nomads.

The hosts lost the toss and were asked to bat and despite the early loss of Fady Jadayel (12) they got off to a steady start as they reached 69-1 with Rob Hancock (25) and Tom Jordan (29) looking steady.

However, the introduction of Malcolm Jones (3-27) brought about a sudden collapse with Alex Williams (5-45) providing support from the other end. Hagley lost four wickets for just two runs and slipped to 87-6.

Raj Nandra (30) began a fightback before Jack Baker (57) and Neil Allport (40) helped Hagley post a total of 216.

Yet Nomads were comfortable throughout the chase despite Nandra removing Malcolm Jones early on.

Opener Tom Mills (57) rode his luck and umpiring decisions to support Roger Dixon (86 not out), who managed to pick holes in the strong leg side field set by Hagley.

Despite some late wickets, Nomads eased to their target in the 39th over to seal a crushing six wicket victory and put Hagley back to fifth, ahead of a trip to Astwood Bank on Saturday.

Hagley thirds could only gain a winning draw against Malvern but retain their spot at the top of Division Nine.

Malvern scored 250 all out with skipper Ranvir Sandhu (5-61) the pick of the Hagley attack. Hagley finished on 231-5 with youngster Joe Muggeridge (88 not out) the mainstay of the innings and Sandhu (61) nearly seeing Hagley home.