ASTWOOD Bank have slipped back to fourth spot in Birmingham League Division Three following a 56 run reverse against top-of-the-table Fordhouses.

The Bank had removed Fordhouses for 185 all out with one ball to spare but then failed to chase down that total as they were tumbled out for 129.

Bank skipper Steve Adshead said: “The pitch deteriorated as the game went on but we still should have knocked the runs off.

“We’ve played 12 games this season and batted well 11 times, so I’m sure this was just a batting blip.”

Former Walsall player Alex McChristie held the Fordhouses batting together with a timely 63 as the Wolverhampton side posted a total of 185 all out with just one ball remaining.

Dan Taylor was easily the pick of the Bank’s bowling attack taking 5-50 from 15.5 overs.

But the Bank soon lost wickets in reply with Kash Hussain (4-24) causing considerable early damage.

Only Andrzej Jagielski offered any real resistance with 34 as the Bank were bowled out for 129 in the 40th over.

Adshead added: “Alex McChristie batted really well and he was the difference between the two sides.

“We didn’t have anyone who could replicate that innings with none of our top six batsmen getting a score.”

The Bank entertain Eastnor this Saturday.