A BATTLING innings by James Pipe failed to prevent Worcestershire from crashing to an innings and 14 runs defeat in their Second Eleven Championship match against Hampshire at West End, Southampton.

The County's reserve wicketkeeper hammered 83, which included 12 fours off 114 balls, before his side were all out for 210.

Worcestershire were hampered by being without Nathan Round because of a foot injury.

The County faced an uphill battle after resuming 224 runs behind yesterday on a struggling 76-4.