THE Gentlemen of Worcestershire lost to the Gloucestershire Gypsies by eight wickets.

After a start delayed by drizzle for two hours, the Gloucestershire Gypsies were able to exploit conditions at Stowell Park in Yarnton.

Nonetheless, the Gents were able to put together a respectable total after the Pershore pair of Liam Ridings (84) and Sam Howell (46) shared an important third-wicket stand of 84. But both fell in quick sucession and the Gents stumbled from 157-2 to 178-6.

Phil Mackie, of Old Vigornians, and Tom Mills, of Worcester Nomads, then shared a 45-run seventh-wicket stand in six overs, before Mills was out for 48 and the Gents declared on 225-7, leaving the Gypsies 75 minutes plus 20 overs to chase their target. By then, the sun was shining, the pitch had dried out and the Gypsies were able to take full advantage, scoring at six-an-over.

Ali Bressington made a quickfire 38, before retiring to travel to Stourbidge for rugby training.

Alex Gotley made a composed 52 not out, but it was 17-year-old Nathan Crosby, who plays ‘A’ grade cricket in Perth and represents Western Australia Under 21s but plays for Winchcombe, who led them to an eight-wicket victory with an undefeated 104.

Ombersley’s Arti Fiaz was the pick of the bowlers, but the Gents were left to rue seven spilled catches which, had they been held, might at least have secured a draw.