OLD Elizabethans had to be content with a losing draw in a high scoring Birmingham League Division Two encounter at Water Orton.

The Worcester outfit’s skipper, Jamie Boyle, won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first.

Water Orton made a steady start as openers Ed Harris (49) and Sperring (18) compiled 39 before Sperring was bowled by Krishall Magage.

Captain Harris was then joined by overseas player Francois Louw (25) and this pairing added 56 in good time before Charlie Griffiths (3-77) trapped the latter lbw.

Griffiths then claimed his second wicket just seven runs later with another successful lbw shout, Harris falling just one run short of his half-century.

OEs then took another two quick wickets and, at 135-5 off 31 overs, it looked as if the home side could be restricted to a reasonable total.

However, Paul Bedford and Morgan (34) blasted an impressive 108-run partnership in just 58 minutes.

Leading this charge, Bedford who closed on an undefeated 103, reached his century in just 99 balls in 118 minutes.

The Old Elizabethans’ bowlers stuck to their task although at times they were not well supported in the field.

Liam Booth (2-61) and Yogesh Malhotra (2-51) removed much of the middle and lower order as the home side closed their innings on a challenging 272-9.

If OEs were to mount a serious challenge on this total, a brisk start was essential.

The reply got under way as Boyle (22) and Joe Taylor (30) complied a 44-run partnership, before Taylor was caught by Bedford.

Top-scoring Magage (74) then joined his captain as they added 41 for the second wicket before Boyle was trapped lbw by Angelo Bass.

Charlie Garratt (17) helped compile another 40-plus partnership, although OEs were falling behind the required run-rate.

Magage holed out on the boundary for a very creditable 74 off 89 balls and this marked the end of any potential challenge.

As wickets fell at regular intervals, a win became out of the question as all efforts turned to survival.

Griffiths (28) and James Bull (18 not out) took the visitors past the finishing line with two wickets in hand and deprived Water Orton of two extra points in the process.

Fouth-placed OEs now look forward to an important Bank Holiday of cricket as they entertain league-leaders Harborne and title-challengers Cannock, both at the Memorial Ground.