ALVECHURCH captain Nick Jones was again left bemoaning a batting disintegration after the curse which afflicted them last season surfaced again.

Jones was unavailable as his side stumbled to 129-9 to register a losing draw after Highley had posted 201-9.

New recruit Malcolm Taylor top scored with 31no after the Kiwi entered the fray at number eight.

Jones, who is planning a playing return for the visit of Victoria and Blakeley on Saturday (2pm start), promised changes to the batting order.

Big-hitter Nev Rudge is set to return at the weekend but Jones would not say who would make way.