Builth Wells are gaining momentum in the Worcester League Division Seven (South) after a reeling off a third straight win, writes Paul Worts.

The Bulls chased down 170 at Wormelow with Timmy Richards (75 not out) topscoring as they won by six wickets. Builth lost Neil Harris (4) and Steff Towns (0) early but Richards, batting at three, hit 11 fours in his innings aided by captain, Dylan McPhee (45), Aled Powell (15) and Musa Makhubela (19 not out).

Earlier, Builth had made a good start with the ball as Makhubela (1-20), Paul Greenway (1-16) and McPhee (1-37) had Wormelow in trouble. Harri Phillips (3-36), on his first appearance of the season, kept the pressure on although Freddie Morris (42) batted well for the home side. Martin Hurst (3-32) however removed him and New Zealand debutant, Sam Avis (1-14) took his first wicket for the club.

Hay made it back-to-back wins in Division Eight (South) with a comfortable eight-wicket victory at home against Colwall 3rds who made just 93 for 9 from their 45 overs. Huw Griffiths (3-13) and Gabriel Moore (3-21) were the main wicket takers while Mark Burgess conceded just seven runs in his nine overs and captain, Gareth Grant just eight from his nine. Hay found runs far easier to come by with Grant hitting 10 fours and a six in his 54 not out while John Sly made 28.

Kington made it three wins from three in Division Eight (South) to go joint top with a 49-run victory at Almeley. Batting first, Kington totalled 231 for 2 with all four batters used getting runs. Henry Powell (59), Laura Wade (69) Rhys Morgan (67 not out) and Duncan Morgan (19 not out) all contributed.

Almeley closed on 182 for 4 with Griffin Jones unbeaten on 102 while Allan Williams (29) and Andy Duggan (24 not out) also chipped in but it was not enough.

It was a good day all round for Builth Wells with their 2nds beating Kington 2nds by seven wickets at Garth Road in Division Nine (North Herefordshire). Builth restricted Kington to 160 for seven off their 40 overs with Kevin Hall (3-16) and Ian Morgan (2-35) the main wicket takers. In reply Dai Davies (65) maintained his good form and Ian Morgan (52) and Andrew Claridge (22 not out) saw them home in the 27th over.

Elsewhere in Division 9, Presteigne fell to their first defeat of the season, beaten by two wickets at Moccas, despite posting a decent total of 231 for 9. Opener, Dave Austin (62) led the way supported by Alan Stocker (48) and Charlie Sankey (21). Moccas reached the total with ten balls to spare with Tom Price (79 not out), Ollie Price (47) and Jack Goring (35) seeing them home. Austin, Morgan Speed and Williams Bartholomew all picked up two wickets for Presteigne.