WORCESTER'S batsmen failed to fire once again as the side slumped to a nine-wicket defeat against Beacon in Birmingham League division three.

Worcester travelled to Beacon, lost the toss and were then asked to bat on a good wicket. However, the visitors soon found themselves at 14-3 after seven overs.

Liam Weston and Stuart Parker tried to repair the damage but the latter was run out for 10. Weston was then dismissed for 18 as Worcester crashed to 52-6.

James Wagstaff and Dan Cure rallied the innings with some lusty blows.

Wagstaff went for 35 and Cure added an unbeaten 37 as Worcester finished their innings on 138 all out.

Beacon's innings got off to a good start with Lawley and Smith putting on 100 for the first wicket.

Foster claimed the wicket of Lawley, but this proved to be Worcester's only success as Beacon reached their required target in the 26th over.

The seconds were also beaten at the weekend when they came up against top-of-the-table Bridgnorth.

A poor batting display saw them crash to a nine-wicket defeat.

Worcester's seconds had been on a good run of form, but that ended abruptly when they were bowled out for just 137.

Captain Ashley Brown batted well for his 53, but none of the other batsmen offered him much support.

Similarly to the firsts' game, Bridgnorth reached their target in the 26th over for the loss of just one wicket.