NATWEST Pro40 champions Worcestershire surrendered their unbeaten record in an end-of-season let-down against relegated Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Three days after clinching the Division One crown with a sixth straight win against Gloucestershire at Bristol, Worcestershire were dismissed for 175 - before the Bears scooted to a seven-wicket victory with 12.3 overs to spare.

Under-performing in all departments, they needed a maiden one-day half-century from 61 balls by Daryl Mitchell to patch up an innings which was in disarray at 63-5 when Tim Groenewald bowled Graeme Hick for four.

Neil Carter initiated the Royals' problems with an aggressive straight-through spell of eight overs to take 3-23.

After two century partnerships in a week by openers Steve Davies and Moeen Ali, Worcestershire were unsettled after losing an early wicket when Moeen nibbled a catch behind wicket in Carter's first over.

The left-arm paceman then bowled Worcestershire's acting captain Gareth Batty with a full-length delivery and had Stephen Moore taken at slip.

Davies promised something more substantial and seemed set for a fourth successive half-century until he chipped a catch back to Groenewald (3-25), after making 42 from 41 balls.

Mitchell worked hard to build a worthwhile total and found good support as Abdul Razzaq contributed 32 to a stand of 71.

Tim Ambrose then stumped the Pakistan all-rounder on the leg-side off Alfonso Thomas - and Heath Streak marked his farewell appearance for Warwickshire by bowling Mitchell for 53.

Carter confronted Worcestershire for a second time by smashing three fours and a six off Kabir Ali in a flying start to the home reply.

The England bowler had his revenge when Carter was caught at cover for 19. But Warwickshire maintained momentum with a partnership of 72 in nine overs by Ian Westwood and Alex Loudon.

Mitchell was involved in each of the first three dismissals, taking two catches before joining the attack to have Loudon held at deep midwicket with his second ball.

By then Warwickshire were so far in front of the rate that they could afford to stroll home.

Jonathan Trott and Ambrose knocked off the last 76 runs in 14 overs to secure only their second win in any competition since July 2.

The downward spiral in New Zealander Mark Greatbatch's second year as director of coaching has led to relegation in the LV County Champion-ship and the Pro40 League. Disillusioned supporters are awaiting the club's response.