BATTING failures again dogged Colwall as they slumped to a six-wicket home defeat by Worcestershire League Division One rivals Feckenham.

After losing Ben Cooke and Ben Febery in quick succession, Nick Brown (23) and Fergus Cameron (39) improved the situation for Colwall with a solid third-wicket stand.

But the hosts' resistance foundered and the tail failed in disappointing fashion as they were bowled out for 125.

Feckenham encountered few problems when they replied, with Muhammad Idress hitting 31 out of an opening stand of 39 with Bloomer who continued to play the anchor role.

Andrew Kings struck 33 before he fell to Ben Febery, but by then it was all over Bloomer hitting the winning runs in the 33rd over to reach an unbeaten 33.

Colwall gained some consolation 24 hours later as they eclipsed local rivals Eastnor by 84 runs in the Herefordshire semi-final of the National Village Cup at Stowe Lane.

Batting first Colwall were given a solid start by Cooke (20) and Ben Febery (21) before Brown (34) and Wheeler (58) upped the scoring rate as the total moved from 165-3 to 191-5.

James Febery added a quick 24 as Colwall threatened a big score, but Eastnor stuck to their task in the closing overs as Steve Beale took 5-41 restricting their hosts to a final total of 219.

James Febery then took four wickets while two apiece from Mike Gooch and Ben Febery ensured Eastnor were all out for 135 in the 32nd over.

In contrast to the first team, Colwall seconds produced a sterling batting display as they triumphed by 17 runs in a high-scoring clash at Feckenham.

Openers James Waters (47) and Idris Mohammed (36) gave Colwall the perfect start and then newcomer Dan Brierley (37) and skipper Will Bishop (74) maintained the momentum as Colwall reached 234-9 off their 50 overs.

Feckenham chased hard in reply, but Eddie Hill and Josh Phipps bowled tightly to take a wicket apiece, while Idris Mohammed (3-44) Steve Coffey (2-60) and Dom Bannister (2-24) helped restrict the hosts to 217-9 at the close.

Colwall thirds celebrated a vital first win of the season as they saw off visitors Almeley by five wickets in a hard-fought encounter that went to the last over.

Harry Evans, John Henry, Toby Clifford and Chris Horne took tickets and Steve Wright (4-31) cut through the tail as the visitors were polished off for 120 in the final over.

Adam Greaves scored a solid 40 as he ground out a stand of 58 with Evans whose grim resolve saw him reach a valuable unbeaten 53 as Colwall won off a wide with three balls left.