Presteigne kept the pressure on Moccas at the top of the Worcester Cricket League Division Nine (Herefordshire North) with a huge 185-run victory over a depleted Builth Wells 2nds, writes Paul Worts.

Batting first, Will Bartholomew and Mark Ammonds put on 35 before Ammonds was dismissed by Ian Morgan (2-72) for 22. That brought Edward Rees to the crease and along with Bartholomew the pair put together a match winning 210-run 2nd wicket partnership – a club record. Bartholomew (113), recently made 99 but passed the century mark this time and Rees (114) also got his first ton of the season as Builth’s bowlers were put to the sword. Dave Austin (40) carried on the good work although Owen Evans took 2-2 late in the innings for Builth as Presteigne closed on an impressive 337 for 6.

Builth started off brightly in reply with Paul Rowe (54) and Sam Buckler (25) putting on 83 but they were never up with the required run rate. When they were out in quick succession, the visitors struggled despite a brief rally from Owen Evans (21) and Akash Srivastava (23). But Builth, who travelled with 10 men, were all out for 152 with Dave Austin (4-26) the pick of the Presteigne bowlers while Matthew Pudge (2-17), Merv Stephens (2-27) and Morgan Speed (1-16) collected the other wickets.

Moccas remain top after hammering Luctonians 2nds by eight wickets to maintain their 100 per cent record. The Kingsland side were all out for just 77 having no answer to veteran, Bill Bowen (3-16) and Ryan James (3-22). Ryan James then led Moccas to victory with 29 not out.