THE return of backs' coach Sam Vesty helped Worcester Warriors' cricket team to 68-run victory against Worcester Police in the Evening League Plate competition at Neel Park.

Vesty, who has returned from coaching duties with England in Argentina, top scored with 36, bagged two wickets and held a stunning one-handed catch.

The Police had beaten Warriors earlier in the season to dump them out of the Evening League Cup.

But the hosts gained revenge in their first-ever home game at Perdiswell.

Vesty opened the batting and struck 36 alongside fellow opener Alex Basford (16) as Warriors got off to a promising start.

All-rounder Blair Kingsland made 28 before Warriors' new managing director Gus Mackay, an ex-Zimbabwe international, chipped in with 11.

The free-scoring Tom Vale (18 not out) steered Warriors to 136-5 from their 12 eight-ball overs.

The Police made a flying start with 29 in their first two overs but Charlie Lincoln (2-20) and Vesty (2-5) soon had the visitors in trouble.

The impressive Vale (3-4) almost put the game to bed before a superb catch by Vesty off the bowling of Luke Summers (1-10) saw the Police skittled out fo just 68.

Warriors face Sanctuary Housing in a Twenty20 friendly on Tuesday before taking on the same team seven days later in an Evening League Plate semi-final showdown at Neel Park.