Whitchurch's return to the Birmingham League proved to be a damp squib all-round after they suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Old Hill.

In a match reduced to 30 overs because of a wet outfield, Whitchurch were bowled out for just 63 inside 26 overs.

Daniel Bowen skippered the side in Alex Huxley's absence but he couldn't do anything about the Heath Road side's nightmare start when they were1-2 after openers Salim Ahmed and Ed Watson-Jones were both dismissed.

Simon Dimelow's 30 offered some resistance, with 10 from Ijaz Yousaf, but once he was bowled by Naqaash Tahir, it was downhill from there as no batsman from five down managed to make it into double figures.

Zahid Kafiat was the pick of the home bowlers with 4-15 from six overs.

In reply, Whitchurch had their small hopes of reversing their fortune boosted as Elliot Bowen took two wickets in three balls to leave Old Hill reeling on 21-2.

But 26 not out from Harry Baddams and 20 not out from Ravi Nagra steered Old Hill to 64-2 and past their target for their eight-wicket win. Bowen's 2-17 from six was the pick of the five Whitchurch bowlers used.

Meanwhile, Whitchurch's second XI also suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat int he reverse fixture at Heath Road.

The hosts won the toss and gave themselves first go of the facilities, only to be bowled out for 97 inside the 42nd over.

Matthew Speed's 23, batting at number seven, provided some resistance to the Old Hill bowling, with David Brunyard's 21 and Wilfred Peers's 17 providing some support.

But despite Brunyard and Megan Jones taking one wicket apiece, Old Hill reached 99-2 and won.

The third XI also lost on Sunday to Madeley's thirds, by 39 runs in a hard-fought encounter.