OLD Elizabethans crashed to a disappointing 65-run defeat against bottom of the table Fordhouses in Birmingham League Division Two.

Skipper Jamie Boyle won the toss and invited the home side to have first use of the wicket.

Richards (32) and Williams (13) put on a brisk 45-run partnership, before Williams was bowled by Charlie Griffiths (1-35).

Just 13 runs had been added before Richards fell to a stunning catch by Malhotra off the bowling Matt Sprague (2-43). Hlengani (23) and Giddings (17) then added 38 in 12 overs as the home side looked to compile a challenging score.

Tariq Jamil (2-49) bowled two batsmen in consecutive overs and, at this point, the hosts needed some consolidation.

Fordhouses captain Russell Thompson (66) then joined Yousaf (23) at the crease and, in 21 overs, they added a valuable 91 runs before the latter was bowled by Malhotra and Thompson fell victim to an unfortunate run-out.

However, the home side pressed on and reached a creditable 224-7 from their 55 overs.

OEs’ reply got off to a promising start as Boyle (26) and Joe Taylor (27) complied a 51-run opening partnership before Taylor was caught by Richards of the bowling of Kohli (2-40).

Krishall Magage then fell cheaply as he came down the wicket looking to increase the scoring rate. This incident seemed to mark the decline in the north Worcester side’s response. With no significant partnerships and some inappropriate shot selection, the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals.

Although James Bull (23) and Jamil (29) tried to repair the damage, the Fordhouses bowlers retained the upper hand for the rest of the innings.

Once Jamil fell with the score on 133-6, the middle and lower order offered little resistance as the previously undefeated OEs crashed to 159 all out in just 48 overs.

The poor overall batting performance must improve significantly if OEs are to get back to winning ways when they entertain Aston Manor on Saturday.