AN excellent century by Ombersley’s Tom Oakley was the highlight of a good Gentlemen of Worcestershire batting performance against the Gentlemen of Shropshire at Shrewsbury School.

Heavy rain at tea brought an abrupt end to proceedings after visiting captain Nic Sproson declared with the score on 266-7.

In ideal batting conditions, Osman Fiaz, of the Old Vigornians, made a bright start, only scoring in boundaries in a brisk innings of 26.

After Jon Inglis had gone cheaply, Oakley and Sam Roberts, of Worcester Nomads, shared a third-wicket stand of 120 in 22 overs before Oakley went for a well-constructed 101.

Roberts went on to score 85 and was supported well by OVs’ Sproson, who made 23 in a fifth-wicket stand worth 56.

The Gents’ attack had an ideal opportunity to take advantage of what was a decent score before the weather forced the abandonment.

Meanwhile, the Gentlemen of Worcestershire drew a game at Bourton Vale.

The home skipper won the toss and invited the Gents to bat first.

Dannie Rees and Oakley started positively with a partnership of 57 for the first wicket until Rees was caught for 24.

Oakley then saw the Gents through to lunch on 85-1 alongside Inglis.

The duo increased the run-rate after the break and had shared a partnership of 98, before Oakley was trapped lbw for 90.

The Gents then stumbled to 176-4, but Neale Ingram (10) shared a partnership of 42 with Inglis to get the innings back on track.

Following Ingis’s departure for 72, John Duffy (25 not out) and James Trinham (16no) saw the Gents to 283-7 and the declaration came at four o’clock.

Bourton’s reply began well for the Gents as both openers were dismissed playing reckless shots as Sam Oakley and Jez Trinham both took wickets in their first overs.

They both took a further wicket each as the home team were reduced to 30-4 at tea.

An early wicket for Rees soon after the break ended the game as a contest.

The Gents tried hard to push for the win, as the wickets were shared by Jez Trinham (4-23), Sam Oakley (2-33), Duffy (1-23) and Rees (1-33), but Bourton held out for the draw on 163-8.