STEVE Rhodes said Worcestershire Rapids lost too many early wickets in chasing a modest 147 target as they lost by 48 runs to Derbyshire Falcons in the NatWest T20 Blast at the 3aaa County Ground.

Rapids again lost too many top-order batsmen during the powerplay as was the case in the weekend clash with Notts Outlaws and were eventually dismissed for 98 in 15.4 overs.

It was a disappointing end to a campaign which saw Rapids finish second from bottom in the North Group with three wins from their 13 matches plus one abandonment.

Director of cricket Rhodes said: “It probably sums up the T20 campaign. We fell short with the bat there and we were only chasing 140-odd.

“We needed a good start and sadly the top order did not give us that.

“It is their job to build a foundation, do the middle bit of the innings and then finish it off but they never gave us a chance.

“To have five wickets down after 6.1 overs was very sad.”

Rapids' young attack produced a disciplined display as George Scrimshaw and Alex Hepburn impressed.

Rhodes said: “Did it go to plan with the ball? Very much so but we hadn’t got Wayne Madsen had we? He is an electric player in all formats, a player Derbyshire should be really proud of.

“While he was still at the crease a score of some substance was imminent.

“George bowled well, good pace, good bounce and carry, some nice slow balls as well.

“I couldn’t really fault the bowling and the fielding. I thought we did a really good job.

“But to lose your top five wickets in that short space of time you can’t really have a go at anyone else.

“The middle order and lower order were always going to struggle but sadly it is the top order that has hurt us again.

“It hurt us against Notts in that T20 game and it has hurt us definitely again.

“It’s about people having responsibility and putting their hand up and doing the job.

“Sadly that wasn’t to be with the guys at the top of the order.

“Maybe we look at that going forward for next year, try to get some different personnel in there.

“Certainly there have been guys who have been given the chances and they have not done it.

“There have been some positives about learning about T20 going forward for this team and the seam bowlers have found it very difficult.

“Looking at the way Tonguey (Josh Tongue) has bowled in the T20s and Pat (Brown) and Scrimy (Scrimshaw) it gives us some positives going forward.”