Oswestry skipper Robbie Clarke could be forgiven for thinking that Dame Fortune has been a little unkind to him this season, having lost the toss on each and every single occasion, after losing to Kidderminster.

The Morda Road men were invited to bat in bowler-friendly conditions and were in difficulties right from the start. Joe Carassco, Xavier Clarke, Warrick Fynn and Worcester star, Joe Clarke, were all back in the pavilion with the Oswestry innings in tatters at 20-4. Skipper Clarke (20) and Roman Walker (27) repaired some of the damage, but when Ritu Raj Singh ,the Indian overseas professional, was bowled first ball by a quite unplayable delivery from Barney Morgan, Oswestry, at 75-7 ,were in real danger of not reaching three figures.

A spirited response from Dean Suter (22), Alex Davison (11) Charlie Morris (27) and Ian Davies (12*) saw the home side claw its way to 151 after 50 overs. Morgan was the best bowler for the Carpet men finishing with 3-31 of his thirteen overs.

Having got back into the game Oswestry went in search of early wickets as new paceman, Singh consistently beat the bat, without finding the edge.

Matt Pardoe held the visitors' innings together, while those around him struggled, but finally went for an excellent 51, being bowled by left arm spinner Warrick Fynn, Kidderminster were suddenly 100-5 and with stalwart Ian Davies taking two wickets in quick succession, Oswestry sensed victory with the visitors teetering on a 118-7.

But Simon Greenall and Morgan held their nerve, getting home with few alarms in the 43rd over. Davies again returned impressive figures of 3-24 .

Clarke said: ''We did well to get ourselves back into the game, but unfortunately didn't quite bowl the right line and length at the death.''

Oswestry are again at home this Saturday when they take on Brockhampton who like Kidderminster were relegated from the Premier Division at the end of last season.

Kidderminster are now lying second in the table, and Clarke admitted that the league is very tight this season. He added: “All sides are capable of beating each other on their day, but we are now competing well and must take heart from that. We know a couple of wins on the bounce could see us right up the table.''

Oswestry 2nds were well beaten at Pelsall going down by 8 wickets in the Reserve Division North of the Birmingham league. Oswestry were bowled out for just 114.

The young Oakley brothers put on 51 for the ninth wicket with Keenan and Max scoring 32 and 19 respectively but the Staffs side were guided home.

Oswestry 3rds had an encouraging win over Coverdale. James Bradbury scored a patient and valuable half-century and with the help of Johnnie Davies (22) saw the home side post a total of 147-8 off 40 overs. The South Shropshire side were bowled out 95 in the 25th over.

Oswestry's 4th XI ran out comfortable winners against Whitchurch Thirds at Morda Road on Sunday, scoring 270-7 in 40 overs with Luke Jones and Graham Boyd both scoring a half-century. There was also a fine undefeated 49 from the talented 13-year-old Harry Darley. The visitors were 110 all out with youngsters Elliott Griffiths, Ryan Boyd, Connor Dyke and Darley sharing the wickets.