CAPTAIN Luke Halion scored an unbeaten century and Jeremy Pilgrim took a six-wicket haul.

But it was only enough to rescue Malvern from defeat as they suffered a losing draw at Alvechurch & Hopwood in Worcestershire League Division Three.

Pilgrim did not take long to make an impact as he bowled Liam Hall for one.

But with Adam Markham-Jones (32) and Nick Jones (32) providing support for Edd Rodgers (75) the hosts remained in control.

Pilgrim did his best as he recorded figures of 6-68 while Andrew Croft helped himself to two wickets. But lower order runs from Rob Morgan (31), Sam Howard (27) and Mike Reuben (15) saw Alvechurch close on 261-8.

Malvern then suffered a triple blow as David Cox, Kieran Smith and Connor Walwyn fell cheaply.

But Halion stepped up to the plate as he scored 103 not out. Pilgrim added 22 as Malvern hung on for a draw, finishing on 209-8.

Malvern host Astwood Bank on Saturday (noon).

Meanwhile, promotion-chasing Hanley Castle and Upton secured their fourth Worcestershire League Division Four win in a row as they beat Kidderminster by four wickets.

Batting first at Chester Road, the hosts suffered an early blow as Edward Platts bowled Matt Davies (6).

But they recovered, with James Williams scoring 67, and looked in a good position at 183-3.

However, after Jack Smith saw off Harry Dickens (45) wickets started tumbling.

Bradley James made 58, but he was dismissed by George Barrell (4-73) as Kidderminster were bowled out for 258.

In reply, Nick Bentley fell cheaply and Matthew Pratley was also removed by George Davis.

But a fourth-wicket stand between Lewi Hobbs (77) and Rory Mathews (78) proved a crucial.

Olly Lewis (26) and Tony Hutchings (23) also made important runs in the win.

Hanley remain 18 points behind leaders Bromsgrove with three games left, starting with Hallow away on Saturday (noon).