STRUGGLING Evesham and Harvington swapped places as the Worcestershire Cricket League Division One relegation fight hotted up.

Harvington secured only their second league win of the season and their first by a maximum 24 points with a crucial two-wicket home success over fourth-from-bottom Redditch.

They pushed Evesham into the second relegation spot and moved 11 points clear after dismissing the visitors for 173 in 49 overs and stumbling home with 176-8 thanks to extra batting time.

Opening bowler Ben Hawker (5-58) ripped through Redditch with the help of Jayden Lennox (3-23) and Sam Bannister (2-31).

Captain Simon Rickett (38) top-scored in reply before wicketkeeper Graham Jones (9 not out) and Ankit Agarwal (1no) edged Harvington over the finishing line.

Evesham could not do Vale rivals Pershore a favour as they lost by five wickets at home to Worcester, who extended their lead at the top to 17 points.

Hamza Ahmed scored 61 in Evesham’s 162 all out and the visitors sailed home inside 45 overs.

Pershore’s title hopes hit a setback with an eight-wicket loss at fifth-placed Hagley despite 105 from opener Liam Ridings.

William Davies added 39 but Pershore’s 236-7 was not enough as Hagley’s Joe Lennon carried his bat with 114no.

Pershore host Harvington on Saturday and Evesham visit Belbroughton (both 1pm).

Bredon are three points off the Division Three promotion zone after a six-wicket home win over Alvechurch and Hopwood with Richard Bruce taking 4-48 and Martin Hill 3-23 as well as scoring 43no in the reply.

Meanwhile, Elmley Castle aided their Cotswold Hills League Premier Division relegation fight with a 83-run win at high-flying Broadway, while Bretforton lost by two wickets to Long Itchington.

Division One leaders Bidford-on-Avon saw off Rowington by six wickets and Ashton-under-Hill moved away from the drop-zone with a 10-run success over Tanworth and Camp Hill.

West of England Premier League side Dumbleton are enjoying their annual cricket festival week with a range of social and cricket events.

Four midweek games are followed by the first team’s Gloucester Division promotion battle at home to Woodmancote on Saturday and a ladies’ Champagne breakfast on Sunday.