WORCESTER'S run in the ECB National Knockout Cup came to an end when a weakened side lost by eight wickets at fellow Birmingham League club Barnt Green.

Worcester won the toss and elected to bat and made 148-7 in their 45 overs thanks to acting skipper Chris Smedley's patient 37.

The home side made easy work of their target reaching 149-2 in the 26th over with Richard Hall (53) and Simon Froggett (65no) their main contributors.

Worcester seconds entertained Kempsey and ran out easy seven-wicket winners.

Kempsey could only muster 122 when they took first use of a good pitch, off-spinner Bryan Clarke shooting out four of their top batsmen.

Andy Mohammed made a rapid 56no when Worcester replied to rocket them to 125-3 in the 16th over.

n Two young sides met at Bransford as Worcester Nomads drew with Avoncroft.

Blake Raymond looked in good touch for Nomads, with some lovely drives through the covers, and also quick to pull the short ball, as he made 74. Marsh showed good aggression, making 24, and Dave Pearson made 31no as Nomads declared on 180-5.

Andy Brown continues to improve with the ball, and was hard to get away early on as he took 3-39. Nomads made steady inroads, and only a fine 77 from Bird kept the visitors in it. He was out off the penultimate ball as Avoncroft fell 39 short on 141-8.

n Belbroughton won a 40-over game against Birlingham Royals by five wickets with an over to spare.

Andy Howorth hit an unbeaten 113 for Birlingham century which contained four sixes and 13 fours, and was well supported at the end by young James Styles (21no) as they totalled 188-5.

Belbroughton lost two early wickets for three runs but L Nightingale was very attacking and scored 76 out of 105 when he was out. Will Pardoe scored a patient 52 and he and Farmer (30) saw Belbroughton home.