OLD Elizabethans gained a commendable winning draw when they hosted local rivals Worcester in a rain- affected Birmingham League Division Two fixture at the Memorial Ground.

The game did not get underway until 3.30pm which meant that both sides only had 33 overs available to them but good bowling from Steve May proved decisive for Old Elizabethans.

Worcester skipper Ian Binks won the toss and invited Old Elizabethans to bat first.

With a slow pitch and damp outfield runs were always going to be difficult to score. James Everett (8) and Mark Groves (15) had added 22 before Groves was caught by Richardson.

Steve May (10) fell shortly afterwards as did Groves.

The home side were struggling at 36-3 but Richard Silk (28) and captain Sean Cairney (37no) added valuable runs although more wickets fell cheaply.

At the close of the innings, Old Elizabethans had reached 121-8 with Wilson recording the best bowling return of 4-65.

Almost from the first ball, Worcester had difficulty keeping up with the required run rate and after the first ten overs had reached only nine for the loss of three wickets.

James Everett (1-7) and James Brinkley (1-27) were bowling a good line and length and this pegged the visitors scoring back.

Apart from Bryan who top-scored with an unbeaten 47, and was the only batsman to reach double figures, Worcester were never really in contention.

May (4-19) removed the middle order cheaply and was supported by an excellent run out from Chris Hopwood.

At the end of their allotted overs, Worcester were 41 runs behind their target with three wickets remaining and had to settle for a losing draw in the gathering darkness.

Old Elizabethans host Birmingham Premier League side Walsall on Sunday in the a National Knockout competition and then travel to Solihull next Saturday.

Old Elizabethans (12 points) 121-8, Sean Cairney 37no, Richard Silk 28.

Worcester 80-7 (5), Bryan 47no, May 4-19, Everett 1-7.