BROMSGROVE were left to rue losing the toss as they suffered an 86 run defeat at the hands of Shifnal in the Birmingham and District League Division One.

The Boars had been put into bat on a wicket which favoured the batsmen before deteriorating during the second half of the game and favouring the spinners.

Shifnal opener Tom Collins (107) and James Shaw (125) took advantage of the conditions and guided the home side to 239 before the former was bowled by Ashley Newdick (2-56).

Graeme Whiles also took one wicket but the hosts made 253-4 in 50 overs.

Bromsgrove made a good start to their reply but suffered an alarming collapse.

Newdick (53), Joe Dodd (30) and Lewis Corden (25) got among the runs as the Boars reached 105-3 but they slipped to 167 all out as former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Ayub took 5-25 and ran out Mark Evenson.

“The toss was the most important factor,” said Boars skipper Evenson.

“For the first half of the game the wicket was good for batting but deteriorated to such an extent their spinners took complete control.”

Defeat means Bromsgrove are now fourth in the table with five games to go.

While leaders Ombersley have a healthy lead, they only trail second-placed Wellington by 18 points.

They entertain Oswestry on Saturday in the league and Old Hill on Monday (both noon start).

Bromsgrove are expecting to welcome back Worcestershire batsman Alexei Kervezee for their Bank Holiday weekend clashes. Lewis Cordes is the only absence.

Evenson added: “We were fortunate that some results went our way at the weekend.

“Wolverhampton lost which was a help and with five games left we are still in with a shout of a top two finish.”

l Meanwhile, Bromsgrove travel to Worcester to take part in the finals of the inaugural Worcestershire County T20 Cup on Sunday.

The Boars play Stourbridge in the second semi-final, which starts at 12.30.p.m, at the Kings School ground next door to New Road.

If the club wins it will face either Ombersley or Barnards Green at New Road in the final (4.30pm start).

The added incentive for the Boars to win the trophy is a T20 match versus Worcestershire next season.

l Wicketkeeper Ben Cox has signed a two year deal with Worcestershire.

Cox, whose current contract ended at the conclusion of this season, has put pen to paper until the end of the 2016 campaign.