PERSHORE Second XI slipped to their second successive defeat, losing by four wickets at home to Belbroughton in Crusader Worcestershire County League Division One.

After the hosts had made 191-8, Belbroughton finished on 193-6.

On losing the toss and being asked to bat, the hosts were put under pressure from the first ball and lost an early wicket when Gary Stevenson was caught behind.

Joe Taylor (28) steadied the ship before being dismissed just before the drinks break with the score on 74-2.

Although Steve Meers (51) pushed the score along, Pershore never really accelerated and only Peter Johnson, with consecutive boundaries, produced any impetus.

Pershore's innings closed on 191-8 from their allotted 50 overs.

Belbroughton made a steady start to their reply but a terrible mix-up and a wicket for Dave Jessop reduced the visitors to 57-2.

Stevenson, with one eye on the weather, introduced his spinners, but Pershore lost some concentration and a match-winning innings from Ben Hawker (63 not out) saw the visitors home to a convincing four-wicket victory with three overs to spare.

Meanwhile, Old Vigornians Second XI suffered without some of their regular bowlers and lost a high-scoring Division Three game at Stourport by three wickets.

Tom Squire batted brilliantly for a maiden century.

He carried his bat and was 127 not out as the OVs amassed 261-7 off 50 overs. Ben Grinnall also made a useful 41 in support.

Ian Bell picked up 4-65 for the OVs but support was lacking and Kevin Haycock fired an unbeaten 90 to take Stourport to 264-7 and a maximum 24 points.

OVs captain Tim White-house also picked up a wicket with his medium-paced deliveries.

Droitwich Second XI kept up their impressive start to the season with a 155-run victory against Astwood Bank in Division One.

Phillip Thomas top-scored with 81 as the Spa side reached 231 all out. Calvin Van Vuren then took 6-13 to skittle Astwood Bank for just 76.

Brockhampton lead the table after beating Bromyard by four wickets.