REDDITCH produced a ragged performance in the field and allowed rivals Pelsall to plunder far too many runs as a result.

Pelsall were able to post a huge total of 292 for nine having been 138 for six at one stage with Todd Henderson hitting 91.

But Redditch refused to budge in reply as they reached 229 for nine at close to claim a losing draw in this Birmingham League Division Three contest.

Redditch skipper Waqas Ali admitted: "It was a bat first situation, but we lost the toss. But having restricted them to 138 for six, we let Pelsall off the hook with some dropped catches. Our fielding let us down as we gave too many runs away."

Despite their daunting target, Redditch made a promising start in reply as opening bats Rizwan Chaundhry, who struck 40 and Tom Field with 57 put on 79 for the first wicket.

Overseas player Tim Fitch continued to push the score along with a further 44, but Redditch also started losing wickets in the process.

It was left to Waqas and experienced bat Dan Protherough to see Redditch play out for the draw.

Waqas added: "We were well placed at the final 20 overs, but then we started losing wickets at crucial times."

Redditch slip back to seventh spot as a result but could quickly remedy the situation this Saturday when they make the short trip to local rivals Stratford.

Strike bowler Ghulam Moyhuddin should return to lead the attack and Waqas added: "Apart from league leaders Stourbridge, the rest of the teams above us are tightly bunched. One win puts us right back in a good position."