LOWLY Victoria and Blakeley Hall's recent run of good Worcestershire Saturday League Division Three form was halted in a narrow defeat to fellow strugglers Enville.

Visiting Victoria were invited to bat first and were soon in trouble as they were reduced to 45-5 against accurate bowling from Davies and Such.

Paul Thomas (39) and Steve Parker (24) came together in a sixth wicket partnership to double the score.

But the tail-enders failed to add many and the innings closed after 47 overs with the total at 118. Such and Heathcote each claimed 3-37.

With such a small total it was important Victoria gave nothing away in the field but both Enville openers were dropped off straightforward chances with Kelvin Barrett the unlucky bowler.

The introduction of Thomas to the attack changed the course of the game and a brilliant piece of fielding by Parker swayed the game in Victoria's favour.

He aimed a direct hit at the bowler's end with the batsman backing up too far and when the last man arrived at the crease, Enville needed seven runs to win.

The tension mounted but the home side succeeded with one wicket to spare.

Man-of-the-match Thomas finished with 5-26.

Victoria and Blakeley Hall 118, Enville 119-9.

The seconds are still yet to win at the bottom of the table after a heavy 173-run defeat at home to high-flying Enville.

Enville 242-4, Victoria and Blakeley Hall 69.