OLD Elizabethans slumped to a four-wicket defeat at Whitchurch in a Birmingham League Division Two match shortened by the aftermath of heavy overnight rain when they produced a dismal batting and bowling display.

The start of the game was delayed by 135 minutes due to water that had seeped under the covers rendering one end of the pitch very wet.

Skipper Jamie Boyle lost the toss and was invited to bat first in a game reduced to 36 overs per side.

OEs got off to a good start as the opening pairing of Boyle (60) and Joe Taylor (16) compiled a 52-run partnership, which was the highest opening stand of the season, before Taylor was caught off Aqsad Ali.

A further 39 runs were added before Magage spooned a catch to a boundary fielder and, although top-scoring Boyle fell just five runs later, Old Elizabethans looked reasonably placed to post a decent score.

However, for the second match in succession, they contrived to deliver a spectacular batting collapse which saw six wickets fall for the addition of just 19 runs in less than seven overs.

A combination of good bowling, particularly by Ali (5-29) and Ali Awan (2-23), poor shot selection and running between the wickets saw Old Elizabethans close their innings on a very disappointing 116-9.

If the north Worcester side were to have any chance of defending this modest total, then early wickets were essential.

However, Shropshire batsman Richard Oliver (41) and Simon Gregory (19), rattled up a 50-run partnership in just 5.1 overs with bowlers being dispatched to the boundary at alarming frequency.

Yogesh Malhotra (3-30) finally had Oliver caught by Boyle and, with Awan well caught by Charlie Griffiths, OEs briefly looked to be back in the game.

However, a combination of three dropped catches and some poor fielding allowed Whitchuch to take control of the game.

Although Malhotra and Joe Taylor (2-11) claimed some late wickets, the home side romped past their target with nearly 10 overs to spare, leaving the visitors licking their self-inflicted wounds.

Old Elizabethans will need take a serious look at their performances and regroup before the visit of Bridgnorth to the Memorial Ground on Saturday.