A POOR batting performance saw Worcestershire slump to a 119-run defeat against Lancashire at New Road in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy.

Batting first, Lancashire's batsmen played sensibly to post a competitive total of 248-5 from 50 overs.

Mal Loye and Andrew Crook put on 54 for the second wicket before the former became the first victim for Daryl Mitchell, who collected career-best figures of 4-42 from his seven overs.

However, it took a moment of magic to earn Worcestershire their second wicket as Graeme Hick rolled back the years to pull off a spectacular diving one-handed catch at mid-wicket.

Gareth Batty then upstaged Hick's effort with an even better catch to remove Crook and leave Lancashire on 125-3.

The batsman's attempted slog-sweep off Mitchell took the top edge and Batty sprinted round from fly slip to take a fantastic one-handed catch, diving full length at fine leg.

Luke Sutton added a breezy 27 before hitting a Mitchell delivery straight down Kabir Ali's throat at long on.

Stuart Law, who batted excellently throughout his innings of 70, was well supported by Kyle Hogg (24 not out) as the pair put on 55 for the sixth wicket to lead their side to a decent total.

England bowler Sajid Mahmood gave Lancashire a good start by bowling Mitchell for three with a well-directed yorker.

Solanki and Stephen Moore added 30 before the skipper slashed at a wide one from Hogg and was caught by Law at first slip.

Moore seemed to be struggling for form as he laboured over 59 balls to make 13 before being run out in comical fashion.

Ben Smith sent Moore back as he turned for a second run, but the opener stumbled, dropped his bat and was marginally run out as he reached for the crease with his hand.

Tom Smith then came up with a magical spell of bowling in which he dismissed Steven Davies, Gareth Batty and Roger Sillence in the space of six balls.

Davies was bowled for one by a ball that left him and hit the top of off-stump, Gareth Batty was trapped plum in front and Sillence was adjudged lbw although replays suggested the ball was heading past leg-stump.

Steve Mullaney, Gary Keedy and Mahmood soon mopped up the remaining wickets to secure a convincing victory.