BROMSGROVE Third XI's losing draw against mid-table Kings Heath on Saturday means the championship race is far from over.

Asked to bat first, Kings Heath scored 162-8 with Dave Monk (83 not out) leading the way. Richard Lewis (37) was his main partner before he was caught off David Kendall.

Bromsgrove will be disappointed with the number of dropped catches. Had Monk been caught when he was on eight, and Lewis before he had scored, it would have been a different story.

Bromsgrove's reply started tamely.

Grench took five quick wickets to leave Town with no option but to defend. With 35 overs still remaining, a draw seemed an unlikely outcome but Geoff Hook (19 not out) and Mike Thurbon (43 not out) stood up to the challenge.

Bromsgrove finished on 127-7 and took eight consolation points into the final two games of the season.

With Barnt Green winning, Town's lead at the top of the West Midland Third XI Club Champ-ionship has been cut to 17 points.

Only two wins out of two will suffice if they are to clinch the league, but promotion is all but guaranteed with only two points required.