THE long journey to Whitchurch proved a forlorn one last Saturday as league leaders Evesham crashed to a six-wicket defeat.

Facing the challenge of last summer's Shropshire League champions, the Avon Street side succumbed in disappointing fashion having ben asked to bat first and then subjected to a torrid early examination.

It was one they failed miserably as paceman Khan quickly removed Mark Penter.

Barry Clements and Neal Radford were equally uneasy and both fell to Goldsmith and the visitors were struggling on 30-3.

Ian Suckling stuck around for 25 until he became Khan's second victim leaving Ian Stowe to fight a one-man battle.

The middle order man stroked the ball beautifully to all parts of the ground but only Will Bailey (18) and Tom Paul (23) could offer any real resistance.

Stowe became Goldsmith's third victim having hit a superb 72 and it was left to Paul with help Jamie Anderson to add 30 runs for the last wicket that gave Evesham a defendable total of 180 as once more the visitors were unable to see out their allotted 55 overs.

What might have appeared a useful total was rapidly put into perspective as the bowlers failed to make good use of the new ball despite Bailey claiming an early breakthrough.

Overseas player Hasnain proved a class act and the Pakistani's century hurried Whitchurch to their target in the 42nd over despite a couple of wickets for Neal Radford, who for once proved expensive, and one for Francois Nel.

The losers consoled themselves with the fact that they still top the table and have a 16-point cushion ahead of closest rivals Aston Manor.

It's Worcester at home on Saturday and, with county pride at stake, Evesham face another stiff test if they are to stay at the summit.

The second string rec-orded a superb victory over Whitchurch after a solid all-round display.

A half-century from Richard Layton helped boost the home side's total to 171. Selby and Hutton then left the visitors staring defeat in the face and four cheap wickets for Stewart Langstone sent Eve-sham scurrying to a 93-run victory.