TABLE toppers Redditch had to settle for the wrong end of a drawn contest with previous leaders Worcester CC in what proved a close fought confrontation in Worcester County League Division One.

Worcester set a target of 203 for six which Redditch looked like chasing down at one stage before eventually closing on 191 for nine.

The turning point of the game arrived when Ghulam Moyhuddin was run out by Worcester's Andy Hill for 31 with the score on 183 for seven.

Prior to Moyhuddin's dismissal, Redditch looked well placed to win.

But the game closed with Luke Davis having to play out the final over for Redditch.

Spokesman Gary Fisher said: "It was a game we should have probably won, but at least we stopped Worcester picking up 24 points."

Worcester had made a solid start with the bat through opeers Bryn Evans on 76 and Henry Lewis 40 who shared a first wicket partnership of 102.

Redditch responded well with the bat with Tom Phelan promoted to open and made 63 off 52 balls.

But following Phelan's departure, wickets fell at regular intervals, medium pace bowler Chris Steele bagging four for 49 from 17 overs.

Steele helped stop Redditch's six match winning streak but Fisher added: "I think they finished the game a bit gutted they didn't get the win. Instead the title still remains within our own hands."

Redditch stay 31 points clear at the top but realise there can be no let up when they travel to Stourport this Saturday when they will be boosted by the return of Ollie Mason to the ranks.