HAGLEY are nearing safety in Worcestershire League Division One after a weather disrupted Bank Holiday.

Only 13 balls were possible in their home game against Pedmore before on Saturday the heavens opened and the game was abandoned, with the points shared.

They managed more of a game on Monday at Colwall. Hagley batted first and scored 204 from 50 overs with James Trinham (38) and Joe Lennon (36) getting Hagley off to a good start.

Further runs were added by skipper Russ Andrews (33) and lower order hitting by John Porter (29) saw Hagley to a competitive total.

But only four overs of Colwall’s reply were bowled before the rain came, leading to the second abandonment of the weekend.

Hagley are ninth in the standings, 36 points clear of the relegation zone with just two games left to play. They host Worcester next week.

Andrews said: “The weather has left us frustrated this weekend but thankfully those sides below us haven’t had much luck with it either.

“We got a good total on the difficult wicket at Colwall and were confident of bowling them out so it is disappointing the rain came.

“Two positive results will see us stay up, and it is good that is in our hands.”

There was a better weekend for the seconds who are on the verge of winning the Division One title.

However, they had to settle for a losing draw on Saturday in rain affected game at Pedmore which was reduced to 32 overs-a-side.

Hagley asked Pedmore to bat first, Kevin Trusswell (20) and Dan Cooper (51) getting the hosts off to a good start.

The introduction of Jez Trinham (6-75) lead to the the first breakthrough and with good support from Neil Hurst (2-50), the spin pair kept the run-rate down and took valuable wickets.

Pedmore skipper Tom Weston (47 not out) batted through the innings and saw his side finish on 176-9.

Hagley’s reply began badly with Richard Musk (4-26) taking early wickets, before a resolute knock from Neil Hurst (33no) and support from the lower order saw the visitors finish on 130-8.

Things got better on Monday when they recorded a convincing nine-wicket win over Colwall.

Bowling first, openers Craig Bray (2-44) and Matt Beckerleg (3-47) bowled good longs spells to keep the rate down and made early breakthroughs. Will Butler (37) top scored for Colwall as they battled to 150-9 from their 50 overs.

Hagley openers Dan Morgan (67no) and Simon James (37) put on 120 for the first wicket in difficult conditions to all but seal the win and they will now look to wrap up the title at Bewdley on Saturday.

Oldswinford’s season continues to fizzle out after they suffered two heavy defeats.

The Albermarle Road side were bowled out cheaply against both Worcester Nomads and Bromyard, leading to nine and 10-wicket defeats respectively.

Pedmore had no luck with the weather as after Saturday’s wash out, their game with Worcester was also abandoned.