AFTER a two-week weatherenforced break, Colwall returned to action against Worcester in Worcestershire League Division One at Norton.

Looking to bounce back following the heavy defeat to Worcester Nomads on the opening day of the season, skipper James Abel won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Colwall initially failed to capitalise on the opportunity to bowl first as Worcester raced to 40 without loss in the first eight overs but, as the ball began to swing, Russell Boatman made the breakthrough, dismissing Jack Horton (19) with a ball that clipped the top of off-stump.

Three balls later, Boatman picked up a second wicket, with Coleman holding on brilliantly to a Case (0) edge, leaving the hosts on 44-2.

That signalled the start of Colwall’s domination — James Gerrish and Dave Brassett showed tremendous control in their bowling, while the mediumpacers were supported by some highly-energetic and skilled fielding throughout.

Wicket after wicket fell as Worcester failed to get going.

Gerrish picked up 3-48 off his marathon 17-over spell, with opener Peppiatt (44) the most significant, while the dependable Brasset took 4-38 from his 13 overs at the other end.

A further wicket from Boatman (3-39 off nine overs) helped bring an end to the Worcester innings that finished on a sub-par 164 all out after 43 overs.

Colwall knew that with 57 overs in hand, a sensible and controlled batting performance was now needed.

Worcester’s opening bowlers Weston and Deeprose bowled with accurately leaving the visitors with a run-rate of little more than one run-per-over for the first 10 overs, but importantly no early wickets fell.

After Martin (3) was dismissed in the 15th over, the experienced Dan Head and Dan McKay put on a further 59 runs for the second wicket.

A nervy spell then followed as Head (35), Abel (3) and McKay (32) fell relatively quickly leaving Colwall on 106-4 after 35 overs.

But it was the explosive Rory Jones, supported by Brassett (4no) that brought the points home for Colwall.

Jones, who hit a massive six off the second delivery he faced, smashed a quick 57no, including seven fours and three maximums.

Colwall reached their target after 44.3 overs.