HAGLEY'S Division Two title hopes suffered a huge blow after losing their unbeaten record to Colwall.

Defeat to their promotion rivals dropped Russ Andrews’ side back to third in the table but with the top three expected to go up - Hagley should still be playing Division One cricket next season.

Colwall won the toss and after deciding to bat first were off to a good start with Tom Coleman (52) and Nick Panniers (12) putting on 65 for the first wicket. John Porter (4-53) was introduced into the attack and made the breakthrough when Panniers was clean bowled.

Jez Trinham (5-42) had been brought back into the team after a long injury lay off and picked up the next four wickets as Colwall struggled to get him away.

With Porter picking up another three wickets at the other end, Hagley were well on top and despite a fighting knock by Sam Crichard (38), Colwall were bowled out for 196 in the 46th over.

But Hagley’s reply began awfully with some loose shots and Damien Berry (5-37) and Alex Frick (2-25) bowling some unplayable deliveries.

Hagley quickly found themselves 18-5 and the game looked all but done.

James Trinham (15) and Porter (18) battled and were able to see off the opening bowlers. But spinner Tom Coleman (3-28) was introduced into the attack and picked up both wickets as Hagley were skittled for 112 in the 29th over.

Andrews said: “We are absolutely gutted to have lost our unbeaten record.”

Hagley seconds did not fare much better as they could only manage another losing draw against Colwall.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, the recalled John White (2-58) and Zeeshan Khan (0-60) bowled decent spells with no luck, as several chances went down and poor fielding led to runs being leaked.

Ben Tolley (1-24) picked up the first wicket with Hankins (77) clean bowled and fellow opener Barrett Price (70) was finally dismissed as he mis-timed a pull off Steve Plant (1-28).

Simon Harwood (68) continued along the same vein as the openers and played shots from the start and though Hagley battled hard, Colwall managed to make a mammoth 313-7.

Hagley's reply began steadily with openers Rob Hancock (55) and Fady Jadayel (21) seeing off the new ball. As Colwall turned to spin, Jadayel was given out leg before after a good opening stand of 72. Two more quick wickets, including Hancock, then fell before Andy Shaw (45) and Simon Burgess (18) had a good partnership before both men were dismissed by Simon Harwood (3-31).

At 175-6, Colwall sensed victory but skipper Steve Plant (49 not out) and Neil Allport (31 not out) formed a good partnership and saw Hagley to the losing draw as they finished on 250-6.