WORCESTER slumped to their second defeat of the Bank Holiday programme against Pershore.

After losing to title-chasing Stourbridge, Worcester were again inserted by a strong Pershore side.

On a damp pitch providing assistance for the bowlers, Worcester openers Olly Peppiatt (20) and Dan Keyte (29) reached 61-0 after 11 overs.

However, Lachlan McKenzie (3-32) and Guy Muspratt stemmed the run flow and removed the top four.

Struggling at 97-5, Liam Kelleher (20) and James Evans (28) counter-attacked but their dismissals led to a collapse as Worcester fell for 164 all out.

Sam Howell destroyed the middle order with 5-31.

The Pershore reply was comfortable, despite the early loss of Howell, as Joe Taylor carried his bat for 35 not out.

Taylor played the anchor role as David White (22) and Jay Waters (58) punished anything wayward to secure a seven-wicket victory with 13 overs left. James Padden (2-43) was Worcester’s best bowler. In the seconds fixture, Pershore recorded a winning draw after posting a competitive 191-7 from 50 overs.

In reply, Worcester lost three early wickets but re-built their innings to close on 150-7.

Earlier, Worcester continued to struggle with inconsistent availability as they lost to Stourbridge by six wickets.

Their bowlers kept a tight reign on the Worcester top-order with Peppiatt (16), Rich Franklin (20) and Liam Weston (17) all falling as they struggled to 67-4.

Keyte (39) and George Bailey (19) restored hope but their quick dismissals led to a collapse at the hands of Hamza Nadeem (4-14) to 165 all out.

Stourbridge never looked in trouble as Richard Bradley (31) and Alex Bingham (42) provided a strong start.

Despite the loss of four wickets, Josh Banks (24no) and Wes Griffiths (33) led Stourbridge home.