DROITWICH took on a Worcestershire XI organised by former international umpire Ray Julian on Tuesday, August 9. THE UMPIRE STRIKES BACK: Droitwich captain Steve Walsh (left) stands with organiser and former umpire Ray Julian (centre) and Worcester select XI captain Stuart Lampitt.

Spa's first team lost an entertaining game by four runs to a team containing former Warwickshire captain Neil Smith and England international Neil Radford, at St Peter's Field in the special one-off game.

Worcester won the toss and started strongly, with Darryl Mitchell (58) in good form.

Once he was caught by Michael Rogers off Gareth Thomas' delivery Spa contained their opponents.

Keith Emery (38) was Worcester's second top scorer as they made 237-7 in 40 overs. Rogers (3-46) and Thomas (2-43) were Spa's most effective bowlers.

Droitwich's reply with the bat was stalled when Radford removed Paul Bryan (8) and Andrew Fletcher (8).

Karl Goddard (16) and Josh Staines (25) added some runs, but captain Steve Walsh lead the fight back with 110 not out.

Rogers also posed a threat with the bat, hitting 31, before Smith caught him. However, Thomas was ran out, as Droitwich completed their 40 overs five runs short of victory.