Eastnor thirds lost to Lads Club in this Flint & Cook Marches division five match by 75 runs.

Yet again a good spirited display in the field and fine bowling kept the higher-rated side struggling for runs at times.

Eastnor captain John Taylor finally won a toss and asked the home side to bat on a very green, grassy new wicket.

Veteran Brian Caffelle started well for the town side picking up 15 of the first 21 runs before Sam Beale (1-12) bowled Cardonne. Tom Watkins claimed two wickets (2-13) in his five over spell and Gary Watkins gave away just ten runs in his eight overs spell.

With Tim Price (27) the score slowly went on to 119 after 36 overs when Caffelle fell to old rival Taylor for a fine 69 (ten fours). Price continued and with help from too many extras, despite a fine 12 over spell from Nick Haggar, runs slowly added up to 150-5 when Taylor, who had previously been slaughtered for 16 runs in one over turned the table on the home side claiming five wickets in a three over spell to leave the villagers 172 for victory. Taylor took 6-49.

The Eastnor batting did not go to plan and unfortunately the wicket turned against them as it became more unpredictable.

Barry Oldman took advantage of this change and with Bert Halfpenny soon had the visitors in trouble at 10-3 after just nine overs. James Febrey (14) and Sam Beale (17) began a mini-fight-back in a 25 run stand and Tom Watkins helped to take the total on.

Skipper Taylor top-scored with 18 before it became one all with Caffelle, Oliver sealing Eastnor's fate in the 30th over by bowling Lewis Hodges. Oldman (3-20) and B Halfpenny (4-52) causing the damage.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Eastnor thirds visit the Racecourse to take on Hereford seconds.