OLDSWINFORD’s hopes of gate-crashing the Worcestershire League Division One title race appear to be over after a 127-run defeat to Peshore.

The loss means they have fallen 52 points behind the league leaders with five games to play.

David White hit 77 for the hosts as they amassed 250-5 from 50 overs. Matt Siddaway picked up four wickets for the visitors but they came at the cost of 64 runs.

Oldswinford’s reply got off to the worst possible start as Sakib Ali was dismissed for one.

Thomas Blunt (24) and Tony Brewer (14) steadied the ship however, Luke Dalley (3-26) and Lee Wilks (3-8) proved too hot to handle.

From 61-7, the task was always going to be too much and only 31 from Ed Atkins helped Oldswinford achieve some respectability as they were bowled out for 123.

Oldswinford sit fourth in the table, while Pedmore are now seventh following their nine-wicket defeat at Worcester Nomads. Elsewhere, Hagley picked up more valuable points in their fight against relegation with a thrilling winning draw at home to Bromyard.

The visitors finished one run short of the hosts total following a run out on the final ball of the game.

Earlier, Hagley openers Simon James (36) and Joe Lennon (10) made a good start before former Sri Lankan international fast bowler Dinusha Fernando (2-41) bowled the latter.

Amjad Ali, batting at three, increased the rate and got good support from the likes of James Trinham (23) and Russell Andrews (25).

Wickets fell regularly but the whole order chipped in with late hitting from Craig Bray (25 not out), John Porter (20) and Jamie Perks (19no) helping Hagley finish on 214-6 from their 50 overs.

Bray made an early breakthrough as Bromyard began their reply before Ash Bullock (41) and Fernarndo (46) put the visitors in the driving seat as they reached 98-1.

South African spinner Bernard Erasmus (2-51) removed both batsmen in quick succesion but Eral Anderson (76) took up the momentum.

He looked well set to win the game for his side before falling to Ali (2-70).

With the visitors requiring three from the final ball, Trinham ran out Tom Baylis to leave Bromyard on 213-7 from their 50 overs.

Hagley now lie 10th, 10 points above the relegation zone and travel to 11th place Coombs Wood in a crucial tie on Saturday.

Skipper Russ Andrews said: “I am thrilled to get the winning draw and it was well deserved with our efforts.

“Everyone put in a good performance and it is a good to see we are all fighting this as we want Division One cricket next season.”

Hagley seconds remain top of Division One following a 155-run win over Alvechurch.