OSWESTRY'S cricketers dropped back into the Birmingham League Division Three relegation danger zone when they crashed to a 142-run defeat at Bablake Old Boys in Coventry on Saturday.
Mark Robinson's side found the home batsmen in belligerent mood, as Richard Swaffied (96) and skipper Jason Pyott (76) set about the visitors' attack rattling up a massive total of 325-6 in their allotted 53 overs, with Sam Huxley and Mark Robinson taking two wickets apiece.
With Alex Huxley and Nick Williams in good form, after Mudassir Pasha had gone for 26, Oswestry reached the halfway mark of their reply on 129-1.
But once Williams had gone for 40 and Huxley for 64, wickets started to fall.
A draw still looked on the cards until young leg-spinner Louis Desouza was introduced into the attack with four overs to go. He promptly dismissed the last three batsmen in the space of ten balls, and Oswestry were beaten.
Robinson's men look to get back to winning ways this Saturday when they take on Pershore at Morda Road (noon start).
Oswestry Seconds continued their good run of form with a 24-run victory against Bablake at Morda Road.
Tim Bierley led the way with a polished 59 and Oliver Clarke hit 20 as Oswestry were bowled out for a modest 139.
But a fine spell of bowling by Martin Leonard (5-21) tipped the balance in Oswestry's favour, as the visitors were dismissed for just 115. Max Payne also bowled well, finishing with 2-28.
Oswestry Thirds suffered a six-wicket defeat against Church Aston at Oswestry School after being bowled out for 76, with Adrian Griffith (21) the only player to pass 20.
Church Aston coasted to 77-4, despite two wickets for Matt Smart (2-28).
Oswestry Fourths were narrowly beaten by Allscott Thirds, who scraped home by two wickets in an evenly-matched game.
Andrew Clarke (33) and James Bradbury (22) gave Oswestry a good start with an half-century opening stand, but the innings petered out to 138.
Allscott replied with 139-8, Dan Renwick, Tristan Curteis, David Harsthorn and Hywel Benbow taking two wickets each after the opening bowlers failed to make a breakthrough.