BATSMAN Ian Taylor struck a superb 74 as Tenbury Cricket Club’s 2nd team were denied their maiden win of the campaign.

Ben Thompson’s men fell just two wickets short of an outright victory against Oldswinford and Stourbridge Social 4th.

Tenbury picked up the lion’s share of the points from Saturday’s winning draw but they remain bottom of the Worcestershire County League 2nd XI Division Four table.

They are four points adrift of second-bottom Ross-on-Wye 2nd and host Himbleton 2nd in another important league game this weekend.

The experienced Taylor and Darren Thompson (32) were the leading lights as Tenbury posted 191-7 from 45 overs in last weekend’s match at Penlu against Oldswinford and Stourbridge Social 4th.

Skipper Ben Thompson (19), Lewis Giles (15) and Tim Coles (12) also made important contributions in the home team’s innings.

Mike Robertson (3-40) and Jack Davis (2-19) bowled well and were the most successful bowlers for the visitors.

After the interval, Tenbury bowled with excellent control and were on top form in the field as they restricted the visitors to 165-8 from 45 overs.

Alfie Watts bagged 3-6 and Tenbury would have claimed a much sought after victory had Dan Griffiths not struck an unbeaten 61 for the Stourbridge-based outfit.

Henry Corfield (2-22) and Ian Bowkett (2-43 from 12) chipped in with wickets, while John Osbourne (28), Josh Palmer (20) and Zeesham Ahmed (13) offered resistance for the spirited vistors.

Meanwhile, Tenbury Cricket Club sealed a thrilling three-run victory over Clee Hill in their latest match in the Woodstock South Shropshire Twenty20 League at Ludlow.

Tom Gloster (61), Karl Pearson (38), Tom Pugh (28), Mark Yarranton (19 not out) and Zack Yarranton (17) lifted Tenbury to 190-5 in their 20 overs.

Greg Shorter was the most successful bowler for Clee Hill, taking 3-37.

Tim Goldthorp led Clee Hill’s quick-scoring reply and he cracked 78 at the villagers fell just short of the target, closing 187-6.

Gloster produced an outstanding all-round display, snapping up 3-22.

Simon Miles (44) and Tim Evans (14 not out) made Tenbury’s bowlers and fielding work hard for the win but the town club held on to celebrate a narrow success.

Tenbury were due to play Leominster outfit Dales in the competition last night (Wednesday) and would have been hoping to maintain their winning form.