WORCESTER'S Old Elizabethans lost a low-scoring game in Saturday's Birmingham League Second Division West clash at Fordhouses.

The rain played a part once again in the outcome of the game as the start was delayed by over an hour and OEs were invited to bat on a wet pitch.

Fordhouses' bowlers took wickets cheaply as the visitors struggled to come to terms with the conditions. Only Steve Emson (14), skipper Sean Cairney (13) and Nick MacMillan (13) got into double figures as Old Elizabethans were bowled out for 80 in 39 overs.

Jamshed took 5-23 and Brewer 2-10 for the home side.

More rain during the tea interval meant that another 13 overs were lost, leaving Fordhouses needing 81 from the 28 overs available.

Steve May (4-22) struck early and along with Stuart Phillips (1-14) and Pete Fryers (1-32) had at one stage reduced the home side to 37-6.

However Jamshed (35no) and Eddowes (12no) saw Fordhouses to their target with two overs to spare.

Fordhouses 84-6 (26 overs) - 20 points, Old Elizabethans 80 (39.2 overs) 2 points

n OEs seconds played an exciting match against Wellington at The Memorial Ground.

Heavy rain during the week had made the pitch slow, but it produced an entralling encounter with four results still possible from the last ball.

OEs claimed the toss after Wellington arrived late and decided to insert the opposition. A wicket from the first ball set the tone as the home side dominated the early exchanges.

Ben Schiffmann again in good form with the ball bowling unchanged in a match reduced by four overs due to the late start.

Only Derek Street (69) offered any resistence but he sheperded his team to 142-8 from 48 overs. Schiffmann took 5-54, Chris Dale once again bowled at the death to take two wickets.

OEs made a steady start scoring at three an over for the first 15 overs.

Once Dale (17) and Ian Newell (18) had gone the middle order lost their way a little but skipper Ian Jakeways cut loose with eight overs left and rattled up 77 before being out with one ball left.

With a four needed the ball ran helplessly to fine leg and the home side had failed to win and had to be content with a draw.

Wellington 142-8 (48 overs) - 11 points Old Elizabethans 140-9 (48 overs) - 6 points.