DROITWICH Spa CC First XI endured a disappointing result in their latest Worcestershire County League Division One match, slipping to a losing draw at Chaddesley Corbett.

Steve Walsh's side remains unbeaten after five matches but sit ninth in the early season standings.

And the skipper, who compiled 35 from number nine, thought his batsmen should have been able to chase 204.

He said: "Saturday's game was disappointing batting-wise. I was happy to keep Chaddesley to 204. The top six need to get scores to win us the games."

The skipper won the toss and decided to bowl first. Andy Van Vuuren, Mike Rogers and Adrian Field bowled impressively to restrict Chaddesley to 60-2 at halfway. Van Vuuren and the fit again Rogers claimed a wicket apiece in the first eight overs.

Chambers and Lyman batted fluently and it needed a fine run out, instigated by Ian Cottrill, to break the partnership as Chambers was dismissed for 70. Lyman was next to go for 54. Chaddesley posted 204, a score which could have been significantly larger but for an excellent bowling performance by Van Vuuren (3-48 from 18 overs).

Spa's innings got off to the worst possible start when Rohan Vorster (6-43) has Matt Leddin caught in the slips after the ball appeared to strike the Australian's helmet.

Jerome Connor was Vorster's next victim, leaving Spa perilously positioned at 14-2.

Paul Bryan and Craig Everett took the score to 53 until Vorster had Everett caught behind.

The visitors were unable to form any significant partnerships and it proved their undoing as five further wickets fell by the 33rd over.

Walsh and Martin Woodward ensured another wicket did not fall until the last ball of the penultimate over when the skipper played a rash drive on 35.

Woodward used his experience to help Spa escape with a losing draw.

Spa's Second XI rattled up an imposing 260 all out against Chaddesley's second string. Gary Cartwright (64) and the in-form Gareth Thomas (79) were the main contributors. Chaddesley limped to 140-8. Anthony Small and Thomas took three wicket each.

The Thirds beat Worcester Nomads by 123 runs. Nomads were set 198 to win but were never in with a shout as Alex Barber claimed 6-23 and Phil Darlison 3-25.

The Sunday First XI recorded an impressive four-wicket victory over last year's Sunday League champions Evesham. Set 232, Spa ran out winners with an over to spare thanks to Connor (32), Dave Scott-Walker (54) and Bryan (44+).

The Seconds cruised to an eight-wicket victory in the reverse fixture.