Cricket
Tough day at the office for Pershore

PERSHORE'S aspirations of mounting a Worcestershire League Division One title challenge remain grounded after a losing draw at Pedmore on Saturday meant they remained without a victory after four matches.

Luck has not always been on Pershore's side so far this season but they were outplayed at Pedmore who came within two wickets of clinching victory.

After winning the toss, Pershore skipper Luke Dalley asked the home side to bat on a good looking pitch but his bowlers, although initially containing the Pedmore batsmen, were never able to make inroads into the top order.

After 25 overs the foundation had been laid for a substantial score and Wasim Ashiq did not disappoint as he hit a blistering 87 from just 63 balls.

With James Burgoyne (44) giving him support, the Pershore bowlers were given a hard time as the home side posted a total of 259-9 from their allotted 50 overs.

Michael Faraday was the pick of the visiting bowlers with 4-39 off eight overs.

In their reply, Pershore's top order again looked very brittle as they slumped to 78-6, with this total containing an impressive 63 from opener Tim Smith.

Sean Jenkins (32) and Sam Cross (51no) gave the Pershore innings some semblance of respectability with a stand of 48, but even this effort was unable to help Pershore gain any points for a losing draw, which may turn out to be vital during the season, as their innings closed on 184-8.

Pershore had to settle for six points and they are tenth - 28 points off the summit - heading into tomorrow's visit of Worcester.

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