WORCESTER were held to a draw when they visited Hampton-in-Arden but still retain second place in the Birmingham Cricket League Division two.

After a delayed start due to overnight rain Worcester won the toss and asked Hampton to bat on a fairly dry pitch and gained immediate success with paceman Richard Belk claiming three early wickets to reduce the home side to 21-3. But South African Brian Baguley steadied the ship and despite surviving three close appeals went on to make a very important 99 before being caught at mid-off.

Only one other home batsman made double figures as Phil Knight got in on the act to demolish the middle and late order to grab 5-37 as Hampton were dismissed for 147 in the 49th over.

Worcester made a steady start in reply despite losing Andy Mason early. Ollie Keyte and Chris Eyers added 58 for the second wicket before Eyers was caught for 41. Keyte went on to make a sound 33 but one else was able to carry on the good work and Worcester were glad to hang on for a draw at 115-7, veteran Harold Turner claiming 3-29. Worcester gained seven points to Hampton's six.

Worcester's second team recorded a welcome win in Division One when they entertained Kenilworth Wardens.

Wardens batted first and made a useful 154 all out, Chris Haswell top scoring with 31no. For Worcester Dorm Cook, Mitch Fowles, Roger Weston, Rich Gardiner and Jamie Evans all claimed two wickets.

In reply Worcester got in to a little trouble stumbling to 18-2, but 20-year-old Rich Gardiner held the innings together with a fine 55 including six fours and one six, and with valuable support from Alan Levy (26) and Fowles (27no) Worcester reached the winning post at 158-5.

Nigel Whiting took 4-61 for the visitors. Worcester claimed 18 points to Kenilworth Wardens' two.