EVESHAM'S cricketers suffered only their second defeat of the season when they travelled to Netherton on Saturday.

Netherton won the toss and invited Evesham to bat on a wicket that gave great help to the bowlers. Stuart Berry (16) and Gary Lewis (20) struggled with the inconsistent bounce and failed to put together their customary start to the innings.

The middle order all managed decent starts to their innings but became victims to Hall (6-62) who exploited the home conditions well.

Evesham's tail failed to wag and eventually the visitors were bowled out for 155.

This was still a challenging total on such an unpredictable wicket and when Warren Irvine (2-40) and Quinn Jones (2-28) removed three wickets from Netherton's middle order the visitors looked confident of a win.

Their hopes were dashed with a swashbuckling innings of 47 from Stibbon to support the patient knock from Oseland (52) to give Netherton victory.

This loss effectively puts Evesham in second place behind Ombersley as the title race hots up in the Crusader Worcestershire County League first division.

Evesham kept the momentum going in their quest for the Sunday League championship when they beat Barnt Green away on Sunday.

The home side managed a competitive 225-6.

Evesham were soon in trouble in the run chase with the loss of two early wickets but Layton (44), and Jones (91), put the show back on the road before Nel played another exhilarating innings with a knock of 65 not out to secure a fine victory for the visitors.

This win keeps Evesham on top of the Sunday table.

Evesham's seconds fell just short in a run chase against Netherton on Saturday.

The visitors made 187 with Nava (2-22) and Lloyd (2-25) the pick of the bowlers.

In reply Charlton (35), Layton (32) and Howman (23) appeared to have set up a victory but Evesham suffered a collapse and finished 15 short.

A young Evesham seconds showed promise in their defeat against Barnt Green on Sunday.

Chasing a mammoth 252-5, they managed a creditable 200-8, largely thanks to a superb unbeaten 101 from Andy Shorey.

There were many good signs from Evesham's young players.