HAGLEY fell to second place in Division Two after only picking up a winning draw against Wormelow.

After winning the toss and chosing to bat first, Hagley lost both openers early to Wormelow skipper Tim Boulter (5-96) and slipped to 22-2.

This brought Australian Chad Hitchcock (134) and Paul Morgan (45) together and the pair stabilsed the innings, before starting to put the pressure on the Wormelow attack, who relied heavily on Boulter.

Morgan was eventually caught and bowled and all rounder Amjad Ali (13) saw Hitchcock to his century but could not repeat his own heroics of last week and Hagley again slipped to 198-5.

Hitchcock found a partner in John Porter (27) who helped increase the rate. Both players fell and late blows from Ian Moss (21 not out) saw Hagley declare on 288-7 from 47 overs.

Rain saw Wormelow’s overs reduced to 47 and after that they made a solid start, Hagley picked up Tom Williamson (9) with John Porter (2-55) taking a catch off his own bowling.

Opener Matt Evans (57) and skipper Tim Boulter (84 not out) put on a good partnership as Wormelow looked to go for the big target but when Evans was out to Porter, the visitors focused on not losing.

Despite Amjad Ali (2-55) picking up two late wickets, Hagley were unable to force victory as Wormelow finished 239-4.

This meant rivals Coombs Wood took top spot back off Hagley. Hagley travel to third place Colwall on Saturday in a massive game for their title hopes.

Skipper Russ Andrews said: “This was another frustrating day with the ball as we just couldn't get going today and didn't bowl in the right areas enough.

“We have a massive game next week and go in with confidence having not lost all year.”