A POOR batting performance saw Worcester's Old Elizabethans crash to a seven-wicket Birmingham League Division Two defeat at Solihull Blossomfield.

The Worcester side posted just 124 after winning the toss and electing to bat, allowing Solihull home with ease.

OEs' innings got off to a poor start with the top three batsmen back in the pavilion with only 18 on the board.

Mark Groves (45) tried to salvage the situation with some determined and well-judged shots.

However, batsmen around him lost wickets on a regular basis and, with the exception of Matt Sprague (27), these were the only two Old Elizabethans players to reach double figures.

Some tight and testing bowling saw Wahid (2-19) bowl eight maidens in his 12-over spell as OEs closed on 124 from only 46 overs.

Allen (5-39) was the most successful of Solihull's attack.

In reply, OEs' attack fought valiantly in the heat but had only managed to remove three Solihull batsmen before the target was reached with 30 overs left.

Stuart Tipper (2-47) and Stuart Phillips (1-20) had the only successes as Neale, with an undefeated 49, saw the hosts to victory.

Old Elizabethans (2) 124 (Groves 45, Sprague 27); Solihull Blossomfield (24) 126-3 (Tipper 2-47, Phillips 1-20).

OEs' second string kept in touch with the leading pack following a hard-earned winning draw against Solihull Blossomfield.

Having won the toss, OEs took first knock on a dry pitch. After a steady opening partnership of 30 they lost their way with three wickets falling for just eight runs.

A patient fourth-wicket stand of 90 between James Bull and Ian Newell turned things in the hosts' favour before Newell fell in the 36th over for a well-crafted 53, including nine boundaries.

Bull went for 62, also with nine boundaries, and quick-fire contributions from Payne (15), Jim Hale (17) and Ohlson (15no) helped OEs post 204-7.

An early wicket from Hale (1-50) gave OEs the early advantage before a watchful spell from Solihull saw them regain some stability.

Two quick wickets fell when Matt Tyrrell had Wright caught in the gully followed by a run-out from a superb direct hit from Ohlson at point.

A 52-run partnership between Lewis and Brook ended when the opener was caught at slip by Newell off Chris Dale.

Another needless run-out and three more wickets from Dale (4-40) put the visiting batsmen under pressure.

But Mahmood and wicketkeeper Barber held on for a draw at 170-9.

Old Elizabethans (15) 204-7 (J Bull 62, I Newell 53); Solihull Blossomfield 170-9 (7) (C Dale 4-40).