BROMSGROVE got the better of title rivals Smethwick but were frustrated by the rain in Saturday's winning draw.

The clash of in-form sides was reduced to T20 style thrash after the wet weather delayed the game's start until 4.20pm.

In the end, the 11 point haul closed the gap on table-topping Ombersley, although Smethwick pushed the Boars down to third after they managed to defeat Harborne.

Hard work by Ombersley's ground staff to soak up the water saw the game started only a few minutes before the ultimate cut off point.

The hosts won the toss and chose to bowl in a 20 over game, but Bromsgrove got off to a good start with Ash Newdick (46) and Joe Dodd (32) in good form.

But the introduction of Ted Bayliss (2-49) and U19 South African Player Jason Smith (4-43) saw wickets tumble.

Alexei Kervezee added a quick fire 20 and the innings closed on 133-6, which was slightly under par score.

Early wickets were key if the Boars were to restrict Ombersley from reaching 134, however Worcestershire’s Gareth Andrew had other ideas, reaching 38 very quickly before being bowled by Evenson.

James Ganderton was pick of Bromsgrove's bowlers(3-34) but in the final over, Ombersley needed nine runs for victory.

But Graeme Whiles held his nerve to restrict the hosts to 130-6.

Bromsgrove go to Wellington on Saturday (noon start), which is the halfway point of the season.

Meanwhile, Evenson lead the club's tributes to Worcestershire CCC Academy director Damian D'Oliveira, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning after two and half years battling cancer.

The 53-year-old, the son of Worcestershire and England legend Basil, played for the county between 1982 and 1995.

He scored more than 9,000 first class runs, with a highest score of 237, and nearly 5,000 List A runs.

He was also part of one of the most successful sides in Worcestershire's history.

D'Oliveira was also responsible for the discovery of many of the current first team squad which includes his son Brett D'Oliveira.

Evenson, who played at Droitwich CC as a teenager under D'Oliveria, hailed the popular coach, who had a major influence on a generation of young Worcestershire players.

Brett also played for Bromsgrove for several years before moving to Ombersley.

He said: "Damion was my captain when I was at Droitwich and he was a lovely guy, his death is a loss to local cricket.

"He had such a big impact on so many players and our thoughts our with his family at this time."