OLD Elizabethans' Birmingham League Division Two campaign started disappointingly when they lost their away clash with Aston Manor by 119 runs.

Skipper Sean Cairney won the toss and invited the home side to have first use of the wicket.

The openers put on 44 before Jamie Alford (2-62) trapped Sehn lbw. James Brinkley (1-36) then had Booth caught by Smith.

Kadeer Ali continued to deal aggressively with any poor deliveries and reached 33 before Matt Sprague (1-44) had him caught behind by Cairney.

The OE's attack stuck to their task by removing another three wickets cheaply, with Stuart Phillips (2-69) claiming two victims in short succession.

At the 40-over mark, the home side were 159-6 and Old Elizabethans seemed to be in with a chance of restricting the final total.

However, Ahmed's undefeated 51 and Meacham's 29 pushed the hosts' score to an imposing 246-8.

OEs started their reply with the loss of three quick wickets.

Chris Pearman (14) and James Brinkley (32) set about repairing the damage and had added 48 before Pearman was bowled. This loss seemed to trigger a collapse as the next three wickets fell for just five runs.

Although Alford (36) blazed away for a short time, the damage had been done and OEs were dismissed 119 runs short of their target.

Kadeer (4-41) and Benjamin (3-28) produced the best bowling returns for the home side.

OE's Seconds scored 224-7, but Aston Manor's batsmen piled up 227-3 for a seven-wicket win.