DELIGHT at England's World Cup triumph turned to despair as Pershore crashed to an embarrassing 54 all out in Saturday's Worcestershire County League top of the table clash.

After a late start to watch the Danes defeated, Pershore, having been asked to bat, were soon in trouble as Old Elizabethans opening pair, May and Phillips tore through the top order.

The top three batsmen failed to gather a single run between them and only Leon Botha reached double figures, scoring 34 of his side's paltry score.

May, after taking two early wickets, ripped through the tail as the last four players all failed to trouble the scorers. And, just for good measure, he removed the South African to finish with figures of 7-26.

There was a row of noughts in the home bowling columns as Botha, Martin Johnson and Luke Dalley all failed to dislodge Pearman and Groves who saw OEs through their target without mishap.

Botha was again the star man the next afternoon when Pershore's weekend got worse after a narrow defeat at Worcestershire Clubs league newcomers, Swindon.

An inexperienced home attack failed to restrict the Swindon innings although Lea Wilks struck back with three cheap victims late on

Chasing 233 for victory, Botha and Sam Howell added a magnificent 169 for the first wicket with the former making 114 and Howell 39.

However, their dismissals prompted a slowing of the run rate and lost wickets in the search for quick runs.

Sixteen were needed off the final two overs but this proved beyond the home batsmen who failed to provide the necessary support after a fine opening partnership and fell five short of victory.