NETHERTON CC closed the gap on the Worcestershire League Division Three promotion places despite succumbing to a draw against fellow high-flyers Harborne.

After choosing to bat, captain Russell Oseland (5) fell soon into the innings, but his replacement Troy Lee had a stunning game, finishing on 213 not out.

Losing Oseland early did not affect his players, with Matthew Lowe (66) and Pravdeep Sangha (50*) both making their half centuries, with Netherton finishing up on 433-4.

The visitors put in a defensive display, just about holding on to finish on 203-9, taking three points from the match.

Jim Clifford-Senior top scored for Harborne (51) before being bowled by Ben Lewis, but Matthew Lowe (3-37) and Hamzah Khan (3-40) were the pick of the home side’s bowling attack.

The winning draw leaves Netherton in third place in the division, but they have closed the gap to second-placed Harborne to just two points.

Netherton will hope to hold off Rushwick, who are only one point behind, in the race for promotion as the teams go into the final two games of the season.

The Highbridge Road side will host Martley on Saturday (12.30pm start) before facing a final day trip to Hanley Castle & Upton.