BROMSGROVE CC First XI continue to struggle in Birmingham and District Premier League division one after a losing draw at Leamington last Saturday.

Bowling first on a rain-affected pitch, the Boars' bowlers dominated the early stages as the home batsmen found it difficult to compile runs.

Skipper Nick Husbands removed Briscoe and Ainscow for ducks and Campbell struck with his first ball.

Husbands continued to keep the pressure on and finally bowled Hawkes for 45 but home captain Klopper dug in, setting him self up for a big finish.

He found able support in Antrobus (18) and Hancock (32) and was out in the final over for 57, giving his side a credible 195-8. Patel returned figures of 4-45 and Husbands took three wickets.

Bromsgrove's were slow to get going in reply with Ketye (19) and Nick Davies (35) out on 41 for the first wicket.

Phil Hamilton (30) looked good but as he ran out of partners, he tried an adventurous shot off Klopper only to see his leg stump taken.

Bromsgrove had to settle for the draw from this point on, which was achieved with Court (10 not out), ensuring the game was safe.

Although disappointed, Husbands was relieved his side had not lost.

He said: "I am a little disappointed with the result, although it was nice not to throw it away and lose. We bowled well up to a point but they really shouldn't have scored 196.

"When we batted I really wanted somebody to get stuck in and take us home but each time a player threatened to do so they got out."

And the skipper was full of praise for two of his new players.

"I am pleased though with the contribution made by the new players Phil Hamilton and Rich Barnes," Husbands said.

"They have shown great application and are proving to be the backbone of the side.

"Julian Court has also shown good application when he has been given the opportunity."

Bromsgrove's National Club Championship game with Finedon and Dolben from the Northamptonshire Premier League went the same way as the last three rounds by being abandoned last Sunday.

Bromsgrove First XI remain top of the Worcestershire Sunday Cricket League after Kidderminster conceded their game.

The Seconds game with Kidderminster was abandoned.