AFTER bewailing his side's dreadful away record it was a case of same-again on Saturday as Redditch skipper Nev Mason saw his team slip to a costly losing draw against hosts Whitchurch on Saturday to lose further ground in the relegation zone.

But the visiting captain could point to another afternoon of storms which cost his side vital points in their battle to beat the drop.

Despite having their innings interrupted by showers, Whitchurch scored at a brisk rate, eventually declaring on 273-7 after 51 overs despite the best efforts of John Lostitch (3-76) and Joe Hill (2-14).

And the hosts' decision to bat was vindicated when the heavens opened during the Redditch innings.

Left 47 overs to chase victory the Redditch reply was ended by a storm with the hosts on 63-4 and forced to accept a losing draw.

That result left third-from-bottom Redditch just four points and saw them fall 15 points behind fifth from bottom Coleshill and the safety mark.

Redditch at least can take consolation from a return to their own turf on Saturday when they tackle championship-chasing Newport (12.30pm start).