THERE was temporary respite for Worcestershire's hopes of avoiding relegation from the second division following Saturday's 52-45 defeat of North Durham.

Going into the game on the back of an eight-match losing sequence, the county ladies started well and led 14-6 after the opening quarter.

Another successful session saw Worcestershire take a 29-16 half-time lead only for Durham to hit back to win the next two quarters.

Their late effort wasn't sufficient, though, to deny their fellow strugglers a welcome win in their bid to beat the drop.

Other results: Worcestershire U-18 36, Nth Durham 32. Worcestershire U-16 22, Nth Durham 29.