DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club First XI slipped to seventh in Worcestershire County League division one following a seven-wicket defeat by Ombersley at St Peter's Field.

Steve Walsh's side, without opening bastman Dave Scott-Walker and key bowlers Mike Rogers and Adrian Field, failed to deal with Worcestershire's Duncan Catterall last Saturday.

Spa drop three places in the league table, but such is its close nature, only ten points separate them from third place Kington.

Captain Walsh said: "The league table is so tight it's incredible. Batting wise we struggled to cope with Duncan Catterall early on and we were really struggling at one point."

Spa, seven-wicket victors in the reverse fixture on day one of the campaign, were put into bat after Walsh lost his first toss since May 24.

Catterall (3-15) accounted for Ian Duggan, former Worcester City goalkeeper Ian Cottrill and Mike Gunston, who did not offer a shot. Stuart Bryan was dismissed by Robinson.

Paul Bryan and Jerome Connor also lost their wickets in quick succession, leaving Spa perilously on 80-6 after 30 overs.

Gary Cartwright and Karl Goddard demonstrated Spa's batting depth though by compiling a fantastic partnership of 110.

Cartwright dispatched Catterall to all parts of the ground and was eventually dismissed for an exhilarating 69. Goddard impressed with 44 as Spa's innings closed at 201-9.

The pair opened the bowling in the absence of Rogers and Field with Goddard and then Anthony Small reducing Ombersley to 45-2 from 15 overs.

Catterall (67 not out) and Marcus D'Oliveria then began to put the visitors in the driving seat. The former punished anything slightly off line and Spa's bowlers struggled.

Gunston had D'Oliveria caught at cover for 37, but new batsman Martin Yardley raced to his half century from only 35 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes.

Ombersley secured victory with 11 overs to spare.

l Spa's First XI romped to an eight-wicket defeat of Worcester in the Worcestershire Sunday League.

Worcester made 168-9 with Paul Bryan (4-30) and Martin Woodward (3-41) the pick of Spa's bowlers.

Droitwich were put on their way by Connor's fine 80. Walsh (55 no) and Cartwright guided Spa home with 14 overs to spare.