COLWALL'S hopes of promotion to the Birmingham League were set back for a second successive week by a loss to the Worcestershire League Division One leaders.

The previous week, Colwall had gone down to Pershore and this week were beaten by Worcester, whose 24 points helped them to overtake Pershore at the head of the table.

Wehan Joubert and Max Backhouse scored 37 apiece as Colwall were dismissed for 164.

And the pair continued their joint effort in the Worcester reply but despite 4-48 from Backhouse and 2-50 from Joubert, Worcester eased in by three wickets.

Burghill & Tillington strengthened their position at the head of Division Two with a winning draw against nearest rivals Bewdley.

In the same division, a fine all-round display by Edward Melly, who followed up an innings of 77 with 5-89, helped Wormelow to a 21-run win at Coombs Wood.

Ross were beaten by four wickets by Cleobury Mortimer in Division Three but steady scoring down the order, spearheaded by Luke Sparrow (38) and Nick Frith (35) helped Division Four leaders Bartestree & Lugwardine to a 113-run win over Himley.

Andy Rogers blasted an unbeaten 125 for Canon Frome in Division Six, but the villagers were unable to force a success against Cutnall Green who held on at 139-6 in reply to 294-5.