WORCESTERSHIRE 60-plus lost by six wickets to Wales at Newport in the Spitfire National Championship.

Visiting captain Martin Woodward won the toss and chose to bat but lost opener Brian Pleass for nine in the fifth over.

Keith Middleton came in and four overs later he was given out lbw, while Steve Daniels was next to depart for 22.

Soon after, Trevor Knowles fell to a smart stumping as Ron Walton finished his nine overs with 3-20 to leave Worcestershire struggling on 58-4.

Dick Brown (39) and Chris Taylor (36) then steadied the ship, taking the team to 141 before the latter was bowled by Gordon Voke and Brown went lbw.

John Brookes contributed 13, leaving Woodward and Cliff Rawlings to scramble as many runs as possible in the remaining two overs. The visitors closed on 174-8. Wales’ reply started steadily but, despite losing Peter Hall and Mike Stadden, progressed to 74-2.

Mike Lewis (59 not out) and Jeff Ellis batted well and took the total to 114 in the 31st over when the latter was run out for 36.

Keith James made 20 off 21 balls before he fell lbw to Rawlings. Wales reached their target with 17 balls remaining.

The seconds suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Surrey fourths at Harvington after being dismissed for 103.