BEWDLEY started the season with a home defeat to Colwall in Worcestershire Division One last Saturday.

On a bitterly cold day on a good looking pitch, Bewdley decided to bat first after winning the toss.

They shrugged off the early loss of Paul Beard with a useful partnership between Simon Mauger (22) and Connor Franklin and then a stand of 122 between Franklin (45) and newcomer Charlie Eastoe.

Franklin departed on 167 and minor contributions from Gareth Lewis (14) and Luke Groves (9) in support of Eastoe took Bewdley to 231-5, a total which at this early stage of the season seemed competitive.

Eastoe marked his debut with a most accomplished century, finally departing to the last ball of the innings for 110, scored from 115 balls with 12 fours and a six.

In reply, Colwall batted solidly despite economical opening spells from Andy Platt and James Marsh.

Jack Mills (2-82) and Groves (2-19) each took a couple of wickets, but Colwall always seemed favourites to reach their target.

Tom Coleman (126 not out) saw them home by five wickets with just four balls to spare, a margin which sounds closer than it actually felt at the time.

Bewdley go to Wyre Forest rivals Cookley in their next league clash on Saturday (1pm start).