OLD Elizabethans launched their Birmingham League Division Two campaign with a close-fought draw against neighbours Ombersley.

After the start had been delayed by an hour due to rain, Ombersley won the toss and invited OEs to bat on a pitch that looked as if runs could be difficult to come by.

The north Worcester side got off to a steady start with skipper Jamie Boyle (19) and Joe Taylor (14) putting on 35 in 12 overs before the former fell to a catch off the bowling of former Worcestershire player, Duncan Catterall (2-55).

Taylor was then trapped lbw by Ted Baylis (3-27) without a run being added and, when Magage went without scoring, the visitors were struggling at 36-3.

Charlie Garratt started to consolidate and, although the next wicket fell at 47, he was joined by Jamie Alford (22) and the pair added 41 in good time.

Alford was pinned lbw by Catterall and this wicket was followed by three more falling cheaply, including Garratt for a 94-ball 31.

However, Matt Sprague (34 not out) added a valuable 33-run partnership with Steve Walsh as OEs closed on 145-9 from the 46 overs available.

A good start with the ball was essential if OEs were to defend their relatively modest total.

This looked on the cards as Alford (2-18) had opener Joe Robinson caught behind, before pulling off a good catch himself to dismiss Hagger.

Catterall (19) and Marcus D’Oliveira (14) then added 34 before Catterall was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Liam Booth (1-28).

The introduction of Charlie Griffiths (4-31) significantly slowed the scoring rate, as he claimed wickets at regular intervals.

With the rain closing in, a tight finish looked likely as the home side had been reduced to 110-8 off 39 overs.

Unfortunately, the players were forced to leave the field due to heavy rain with five overs remaining and were unable to see the game to a conclusion.

Barratt was left stranded on 29 as Ombersley had to settle for a losing draw.

OEs entertain Stratford at the Memorial Ground on Saturday looking to build on several positive aspects that came out of the game with Ombersley.