OMBERSLEY had to settle for a losing draw on their Birmingham League Divison Three debut at Coleshill, but put in an impressive performance.

Coleshill posted 176-9 declared in 47 overs despite struggling at 43-3 early in their rain-affected innings.

This left Ombersley requiring 128 off 34 overs for a winning draw.

Overseas player Ian Foster was ajudged lbw second ball and Phil Burdon fell to a tidy reflex catch caught and bowled.

However, Ombersley fought back through Duncan Catterall and first Marcus and then Dominic D'Oliveria.

With wickets still falling steadily on a track that offered something for the Coleshill seamers, the game was heading for a close finish.

Joph Young produced some lusty blows and guided Ombersley to what seemed like a certain winning draw. But Jamie Gwynne struggled to put bat to ball in the final over and Ombersley came up three runs short.

Despite their disappointment, the young Ombersley side showed they can compete at this level.