CAPTAIN Perry Derrick lamented a poor batting display as they were agonisingly edged out by title rivals Hagley in the Worcestershire County League Division One.

The Kingfishers were chasing 127 for victory but they were bowled out one run short with 16 overs in hand.

That defeat saw them slip to fifth in the table and leaves them trailing leaders Astwood Bank by 53 runs.

It was a game that ended in disappointment after Reddtch’s bowlers and fielders had put them in a very strong position.

Derrick had won the toss and put in the second-placed side into bat first.

The skipper took three wickets, while Henry Moorcroft grabbed five as Hagley were bowled out for 126 in 41 overs.

But none of the home side’s batting order could anchor the innings as Craig Bray took five wickets and they were dismissed in the 44th over for 125.

Only Derrick and Russell Southwick got among the runs with 28 each, while Hagley conceded 16 extras.

“The batting was not good enough,” commented Derrick.

“Once again we bowled and fielded very well but we did not score enough runs and should have won the game.

“It’s frustrating because we’ve played well against the sides at the top of the division but haven’t got the points.

“I think we’re probably out of the running for the title now as the top two are starting to build a bit of a lead.”

Redditch will be aiming to bounce back a home to Burghill and Tillington on Saturday (1.30pm start).

hagleyvredditch4/5 (in a folder in week 32)