TENBURY CC skipper Zack Yarranton took five wickets but it wasn’t quite enough to wrap up victory against visitors Old Elizabethans 3rd on Saturday.

Not that the captain was too disappointed with his side taking maximum batting and bowling points in their Worcestershire League Division Five clash.

“We’ve taken 18 points from the game so you have to be happy with that,” Yarranton said. “It’s just that we were so close to getting the extra points for winning the game.”

Batting first, runs were in steady supply for Tenbury as they reached 244-9 from their 50 overs.

All of the top order made double figures and there was a half century for opener Andrew Adams (57) before he was caught behind. Paul Higgins also chipped in with a useful 40.

In reply, Old Elizabethans were reeling early on after Yarranton skittled out both openers with just 26 on the board.

The skipper finished with 5-54 but Tenbury could not claim the final wicket with the visitors hanging on at 175-9 at the close to take a losing draw.

“Overall, it wasn’t a bad day at the office,” the captain added. "Old Elizabethans always put out a decent side and we only just missed out on that final wicket.

“I had the last over but never got to bowl at the new batsman. The other guy was only a young lad but kept getting a bat to it and stuck in there.

“On another day we could have scored 300 plus, it was just that we lacked someone hitting another half-century which would have pushed us on. But we did well. We prefer to bat first because it can be tough psychologically if you find yourself having to chase more than 200 – the pressure is on you right from the start.”

In addition to Yarranton, Aaron Morris (3-70) and Mark Yarranton (1-11) were also among the wickets.

The skipper added: “We were actually a little short on bowlers because a few were away at a wedding. Aaron kept it tight at one end and I managed to take some wickets at the other.

“Personally, I’m hoping to push on this season and get a few more wickets. I’ve realised that in Division Five as long as you bowl straight then sooner or later the batsman is likely to miss one.”

Third-placed Tenbury head to Old Hill on Saturday – the club just behind them in the table – with Yarranton expecting to be able to choose from a full squad.