NOT even a century from Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Michael Johnson could save Worcestershire from a seven-wicket Second XI Trophy defeat against Leicestershire at Chester Road, Kidderminster.

The visitors won the toss and decided to field in the 40-over match and Johnson was the only Worcestershire batsman to prosper against the Foxes’ attack, hitting 13 fours and a six from just 103 balls.

Joe Leach with 29 was the only other significant contributor as the home side spluttered to an innings-closed total of 218-8.

Leiecestershire eased to victory with eight balls to spare as Tom Wells completed a fine match for the visitors with an unbeaten century. He had earlier taken two wickets with his medium-pace seamers.

There were also useful contributions from Karl Turner and Harry Bush with left-arm spinner Shaaiq Choudhry Worcestershire’s most successful bowler with 2-35.