Whitchurch were left to rue a late collapse as they threw away an afternoon’s good work in the closing overs.

The Birmingham League division two outfit looked on course to stroll to success at Cannock on Saturday as they cruised to 205-3 with 10 overs remaining chasing 234 for victory.

But Richard Oliver (46) and Simon Bowen (32) fell in quick succession, acting as a catalyst for a Whitchurch collapse which saw them lose six wickets for 18 runs.

They were eventually forced to settle for a draw on 226-9, Ian Gregory laying the early foundations with 76.

“It was really frustrating because we dominated throughout the whole day and then chucked it away at the end,” said captain Simon Bowen.

“We lost a couple of wickets and it was rabbit in the headlights time. I can only put it down to complacency.”

Cannock had earlier posted 233-5, Martin Williams taking two wickets.

Bridgnorth suffered defeat at high-flying Evesham in division two after being skittled for just 126.

Connor Goodwin-Tindle, batting at No 9, top scored with 30 but Evesham cruised to an eight-wicket success inside 25 overs.

“The pitch was very up-and-down when we batted but then they put the heavy roller on it at tea and it looked a completely different surface,” said Bridgnorth manager Ray Perry.

“When you couple the difficult wicket with us batting poorly, there is only ever going to be one result.”

Relegation threatened St Georges also suffered disappointment on the road as they went down by four wickets at Old Elizabethans in a top-versus-bottom clash.

Batting first, the Dragons were dismissed for 140 in the 46th over with Chris Waldron top scoring down the order in with 26.

St Georges put up a spirited display in the field, Joe Turner taking 3-11 as Old Elizabethens stumbled from 128-3 to 128-6 before the home side held their nerve to secure a four wicket success.

Oswestry earned a priceless victory in division three as they powered to an 89-run home triumph over Sutton Coldfield.

The margin of victory could have been greater with the visitors reduced to 58-9 before a quickfire final wicket stand of 65 earned them some respectability as they reached 123.

Paul Robinson was the Oswestry hero, taking 7-38 after the home side had scored 210-9 from their 55 overs.

Alex Huxley led the way with 67 while Mark Robinson chipped in with 49.