STRUGGLING Old Hill’s chances of beating the drop from Birmingham League Division One were hit by a crushing eight-wicket defeat at Wombourne.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, things quickly went awry, with just Nitesh Patel (31) making it out of the single-figures as a paltry total of 61 was made.

The innings’ extras (4) were outscored by only three of Old Hill’s batsmen in a disappointing display lasting 31.2 overs.

Wombourne’s Michael Hill took 7-20 runs off 10.2 overs. Jon Smith also had a busy day, taking eight catches behind the stumps.

There was little the Old Hill bowlers could do to defend such a low score. Their opponents quickly chased down the target in 10.3 overs with the loss of two wickets. The writing was on the wall when Wombourne’s opening partnership reached 52, making the result a formality.

Old Hill are still 14 points adrift of safety will look to secure much needed points at home to Smethwick on Saturday and at relegation rivals Coventry and North Warwickshire on Monday.

There was more misery for the seconds, who lost at home to Leamington. With a target of 169, they fell 31 runs short in the second innings.

The run-rate was healthy but Old Hill struggled to protect wickets as they were all out in 35.2 overs. The next match is away at Bridgnorth.

It was a similar story for the thirds who suffered a six-wicket defeat away to Old Vigornians. Old Hill were all out for 89, a total which the home side knocked off in 21.1 overs. They next travel to Barnards Green.

To cap a miserable weekend, the fourths lost a thriller at West Malvern by three wickets and now play Old Elizabethans at Old Halesonians.