An UNBEATEN 94 from Glamorgan rookie Roman Walker was not enough prevent Oswestry from slipping to their fourth league defeat of the season at Bromsgrove on Saturday.

Chasing 239 for victory, Oswestry were bowled out 21 runs short of their total, off the penultimate ball of the game, in what was largely an underwhelming performance.

With Walker under directions from his county not to bowl following a heavy work load during the week, skipper Robbie Clarke’s bowling options were limited, which fully vindicated his decision to field first.

Nevertheless it was a moderate display to say the least, as was the fielding, with the home side first recovering from 89-4 and then 155-8.

A ninth wicket partnership of 84 led by Deon Patel, fully justifying promotion in the second XI, saw the Boars close on 239 off 54 overs.

The wickets were shared between Warrick Fynn (3-61), Ritu Singh (2-51), Charley Morris (3-41) and Alex Davidson (2-35).

In reply, Oswestry lost Fynn early to a mis-timed pull, but had reached 61-1 when left arm spinner Ashley Winfield came on.

First to go was Josh Coleridge, caught on the deep mid-wicket boundary, soon followed by Joe Carrasco who played over the top of a full length delivery and was bowled for a stylish 43 off 39 balls.

Skipper Clarke became Newfields's third victim, bowled on the back foot to a ball that kept low. Walker and Singh then sought to repair the damage adding 49 for the fifth wicket before Singh was unfortunate to be adjudged LBW for 22. Walker kept going while those around him contrived to find different ways of getting out.

At 189 - 6, Oswestry were still very much in the game, but when Alex Davidson, who had-batted sensibly and Charley Morris needlessly ran themselves out, the momentum swung back very firmly in favour of the Worcestershire side.

Walker's innings included 10 fours and five sixes of 121 balls with one landing directly on the roof of the Bromsgrove Captain's BMW car.

Oswestry now sit fourth from bottom with Leamington joining them on 76 points. Brockhampton's five-wicket win over Wellington now only leaves them six points behind the Morda Road side.

Oswestry's second XI lost by 56 runs to Milford Hall at the Stonehouse Oval. Chris Catterall was the main wicket taker with figures of 4-30. Off spinner, Sam Davies also chipped in with two wickets on his return to the side as the visitors posted a total of 182-9. Nick Williams (20), Luke Jones (22) and Steve Humphreys (26) all got starts but the home side were bowled out for 126 in the 33rd over.

Captain Ben Wilson was the hero for Oswestry thirds, returning outstanding figures of 6-19, as Guildsfield were dismissed for 117, 13 short of their target. Iwan Roberts (22), Dominic Kular (36), and young Olly Roberts (25) all made contributions with the bat for Oswestry.

Oswestry IV concede their league match with Bomere Heath because of an illegible player, but still enjoyed a pointless victory! Mattie Davies (24), Ivor Pearsall (24) and Graham Boyd (62) steered Oswestry to 204. The visitors were bowled out at 154 with young Davies (3-22) again among the wickets. Ivor Pearsall and Ryan Boyd also shared two wickets each.