A FOUR-wicket haul by David Leatherdale failed to save depleted Worcestershire Royals from a two wicket defeat against Lei-cestershire Foxes in yesterday's National League division one clash at New Road.

The County, handicapped by a lengthy injury list and having three players on international duty, made 193-7 before allowing the Foxes to clinch victory with 2.5 overs to spare.

New Road skipper Ben Smith, a former Leicestershire player, said: "It was a seriously depleted side, but it's great to see everybody else get an opportunity to play.

"It also gives us an idea who can fill a position when times do get tough again.

"But we didn't help ourselves really. We didn't bowl as economically as we should have done. We weren't that sharp in the field and I think 215 would have been a good score on that pitch to defend."

The County were also hampered by paceman Mark Harrity being unable to complete his number of overs because of an ankle injury.

"It left us short unfortunately at the end which I wouldn't say cost us the game because we could probably have done a little bit better in the middle stages with the ball," said Smith.

Man-of-the-match Phil DeFreitas and Darren Maddy steered the Foxes to victory with a fine century stand.

Skipper DeFreitas led the way with 68, while Maddy hit 56 to help Leicestershire gain revenge for last week's 75-run defeat against the County in the quarter-final of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy at Grace Road.

They put on 123 for the fourth wicket with DeFreitas cracking a six and eight fours. Maddy was dismissed after completing 3,000 runs in the competition. He stroked one six and seven fours.

Leatherdale did his best to disrupt Leicestershire by taking 4-41, his third wicket being his 100th in the league. Matt Mason also chipped in with 3-26.

Earlier, the County, after winning the toss, were indebted to a half-century from Stephen Peters in his comeback match following a finger injury.

He scored exactly 50 -- his first for the Royals -- which included seven fours off 85 balls. He put on 59 with Kadeer Ali (24) for the second wicket.

Smith made a useful 37 to signal a welcome upturn in his fortunes.