Preece scores 131 in Burghill, Tillington and Weobley win

The third teams of BURGHILL, Tillington and Weobley secured a convincing victory in the GB Liners Marches Division Three after a huge 131 from opener Mark Preece.

Opponents Dales won the toss and elected to bat, but they were left at 198-9 after 40 overs thanks to some tight bowling and fielding by Burgs.

There were two wickets apiece for Gavin Pugh, George Stevenson and Noah Morgan. Rising 13-year-old star Oscar Bescoby (1-36) from his eight overs and although less wicketed, Mo Mohid bowled his eight overs for 37 runs, half of which came in the top order.

Captain Craig Lane stepped down to give Preece a chance to move to the top of the batting order.

Joining him at the top of the order was youngster Kieran Dover, the perfect opponent for the aggressive Preece.

Together they scored 135 runs in 19 overs for the first wicket, before Dover were bowled out for a laborious 32.

There was no way back for Dales after such an aggressive start. The runs were scored for the loss of five wickets in 27.2 overs, with Preece top-scorer with 129 in 85 balls, including 16 fours and five sixes.

Burghill, Tillington and Weobley saw their first match at Himley second abandoned while chasing a target of 202-7.

Accurate bowling and good catching restricted Himley, despite half-centuries from captain Matt Bowen (78) and Dominic Taylor (50).

Spinner AJ Morris, 17, took three wickets while Reece Thomas and Mohammed Hassan got two each.

The Burgs were up 21-2, but the weather caused the game to come to a standstill.

Brockhampton also saw their home game against Stourport-on-Severn abandoned after setting a target of 224.

Tom Austwick scored a goal for the home side of Herefordshire with 63 and George Mokler scored 42 from 59 balls.

Bromyard were knocked out for 95 before their match at Old Elizabethans was also called off due to rain.