DEPLETED Bewdley suffered a disappointing home defeat to fellow strugglers Lye in Worcestershire League Division Two on Saturday.

They were missing several players who were at a wedding and found the all-round skills of Ishtiaq too much for them in a tight game.

Mark Bennett and Ben Jones (18) made a slow and steady start with an opening partnership of 37.

But the introduction of Ishtiaq's spin soon removed the duo only for Simon Smith and Charlie Combes to produce the best stand of the day.

They took the score to 92 when Smith fell for 36 and the innings collapsed when Combes (25) was fourth out on 104.

Mark Hudson hit 10 off the 49th over before being bowled by the last ball with Ishtiaq (5-37) and Borley (4-51) the main wicket-takers.

Ishtiaq (36) launched the visitors' innings with a bright start, punishing every loose ball.

Skipper Smith, in a rare bowling spell of 2-20, and Bennett (3-30) chipped away at the batting order despite dropped catches.

When the dangerous Mamood (19) was dismissed at 104-7, Bewdley stood a chance.

But they were left with just four points as Lye edged home with the help of too many extras.

Bewdley 136, Lye 137-7.

The seconds claimed a convincing 24-point victory at Lye with five overs to spare.

Bewdley were given a brisk start by Pete Mauger and Pete Harler who scored 37 and 33 respectively.

Robert Combes (22) carried it on despite running out Mauger before Steve Brown (44) and Colin Harris (25) made useful if fortunate contributions.

David Mills' sparkling 59 not out in the last 14 overs left Bewdley on 259-5.

Lye never looked like reaching the target with bowler Mark Guest (3-55) enjoying early success.

Mamood proved the biggest obstacle as Harris' leg spin, claiming 3-24, worked through the middle order.

Dave Cowdery (2-30) claimed the vital wickets of potential game-winners Homer and Bridgwater to wrap the game up.

Bewdley 2nds 259-5, Lye 178.

The match at Martley on Monday was abandoned due to rain.