A FINE bowling performance from all-rounder David Lea-therdale could not save Worcestershire from a four-wicket defeat in their pre-season friendly with Hampshire at Southampton.

Worcestershire's new captain Graeme Hick saw his side struggle with the bat as they set the home side a modest target of 217-7 off 50 overs.

Hick managed 14 runs off 14 balls before he offered a catch to Hampshire's captain Robin Smith off the bowling of Dimitri Mascarenhas.

Only Elliott Wilson offered any real hope for the visitors as he smashed seven boundaries in reaching 46 off 60 balls before being run out.

Worcestershire knew they were up against it as Hampshire opening batsman Jason Laney found his form to reach 72 before he became one of Leatherdale's five victims.

Laney was supported by Will Kendall (40) before he too was captured by the little all-rounder, caught at the wicket by Steve Rhodes.

Worcestershire's only real triumph came when Leatherdale dismissed Hampshire wicketkeeper Adrian Aymes first ball to give hope that the visitors could bowl out their hosts and snatch an unlikely victory.

But Lee Savident saw Hampshire safely to victory, scoring 18 off 21 balls to reach the target with four overs and one ball remaining

Leatherdale finished with 5-39 as Hampshire eased home with 4.1 overs to spare.