BROMSGROVE eased their relegation woes in Birmingham League Division One with a battling win over fellow strugglers Sutton Coldfield.

A 34-run victory over bottom-placed Sutton along with Barnards Green’s win against 11th-placed Old Hill have allowed the Boars to build a 42-point cushion between themselves and the drop zone.

Ash Newfield top scored with 47 with middle-order support coming from Yogesh Malhotra as the Boars posted 173 all out in a reduced-over match as Sutton’s leg spinner Luke Jones produced a devastating spell of 7-32.

Sutton made a decent start in reply but the introduction of Mark Evenson and Graeme Whiles pegged them back.

Evenson took 3-31 and Whiles 3-42 as Sutton’s run chase fell short.

They were bowled out for 139 in the 40th over.

Bromsgrove tackle leaders Bridgnorth at home on Saturday and go to fellow strugglers Barnards Green on Saturday (both games noon start).

The seconds bagged a fine win over Sutton Coldfield at the St Goldwalds.

George Cracknell hit an unbeaten 115 with great support from skipper Adam Jones (49) and Tom Green (69) as the Boars posted 303 off 41 overs.

Ben Johnson struck twice early in Sutton’s innings before Matt Banham (below) took four wickets for just eight runs to put the homesters in the driving seat, bowling their visitors out for just 182 to seal a 121-run win.

The thirds match against Himley was abandoned before the start with both sides picking up five points. The result along with Astwood Bank’s winning draw means Bromsgrove drop down to fourth place with four tough games remaining.

The Cavaliers continued their good run of form with an eight-wicket victory against Kempsey.

Tom Smith again shone with bat and ball.