WORCESTERSHIRE academy lost by eight runs to a Northamptonshire development XI at Holcott despite fine bowling from paceman Billy Cox.

Cox (4-14) claimed three victims to leave Northants on 35-4 and returned to take the final wicket in the hosts' 138 all out in 42.5 overs.

There were also tight spells from Josh Dickenson (2-25) and Mahaaz Ahmed (1-19).

But the visitors were skittled for 130 in 35.3 overs after going from 83-3 to 100-9.

Opener Jujhar Johal hit 30 off 56 balls and Alex Coates 32 off 49 deliveries late on.