Bridgnorth (93) lost to Old Hill (97-7) by 3 wickets

Despite an excellent spell of bowling from Worcestershire paceman Charlie Morris, Bridgnorth were unable to overcome hosts Old Hill in a game where the toss proved pivotal to the result.

James Ralph (21), Dan Vernon (13) and Morris (24) were the only Cricket Meadow batsmen able to reach double figures on a tricky wicket, as Bridgnorth were dismantled by a good seam bowling attack.

In reply, Morris started well with the ball and was supported by some excellent catching. Tom Weaver and Cam Wallis also bowled well, but with so few runs to play with it was always going to be a tough assignment to retrieve a result.

As the afternoon went on, the wicket became noticeably drier and easier to bat on, further underlying the importance of the toss. Despite Morris' 6-27 and Wallis 1-5, and Old Hill collapsing from 69-2 to 77-7, the hosts' lower order got their side over the winning line in the 27th over.

Stand-in captain Dave Exall was keen to point out how the luck wasn't with his team on the day, yet also confirmed that it's time for all players to stand up and be counted.

"The conditions were against us today, but our batting was still disappointing. Our double promotion over the last two seasons was largely down to the strength of our batting unit, so we know we need to improve this.

"We are now in a relegation fight, so we have to apply ourselves and produce some performances, as playing the unlucky victim of circumstance is no longer an option. We have shown at various points this season that we are competing with all teams in this league, and we have some very good players, but we must start to turn things around now."

Bridgnorth's current situation was summed up by the fortunes of Ryan Lockley. Returning from a wrist injury, and out to an unfortunate leg-side strangle early on, he collided with ground equipment while attempting to stop a boundary, and broke his fibula in the process.

"Ryan has been very unfortunate this season," said Exall, "and he's been a key part of our batting line-up for the last few years. But he is a fighter, and he'll be determined to regain fitness as soon as possible and get back out in the middle. The space gives another batter the chance to step up and set the standard for the rest of the season."