OMBERSLEY were able to see at first hand the batting talents of India A player Wasim Jaffer.

He struck a sublime 141 not out and prompted Ombersley chairman Tim Oakley to claim: “It was the most effortless century I’ve ever seen!

“It was only in the last couple of overs that he started throwing the bat to get a few more runs on the board that he gave a couple of chances. Otherwise it was controlled and thoroughly high quality.”

Jaffer helped opponents Wolverhampton post a testing target of 260-6 before Ombersley made an indifferent start when they replied.

They lost opener Liam Gwynne in the first over before their own Indian star Uday Kaul went cheaply, edging one behind when on 15.

Oakley added: “We were always in the hunt, but we really needed one of our top five batsman to score in excess of 50.”

Eventually it was Ollie Uffindall who stood firm for Ombersley with 73 not out.

He found support from former Worcestershire player Duncan Catterall, before he was dramatically run out when on 33.

Oakley claimed: “Duncan was going really well at the time. We wanted 36 off the final four overs and with Duncan and Ollie at the crease, we always had a chance. But once Duncan was run out, that chance had gone as we were down to our tailenders.

“Our prospects had improved because Wolves’ South African strike bowler Johannes Bothma had broken down after just four overs.”

Instead Ombersley had to settle for the wrong end of draw when closing on 236-7.

Ombersley entertain local rivals Kidderminster on Saturday and welcome back England Under-19 player Josh Dell who has completed his cricket duties with Cheltenham College and will boost the middle order batting.

But they have to rule out Worcestershire all-rounder Brett D’Oliveira who has been selected to play for England Lions, while Gareth Andrew has now been handed a four-day contract with Hampshire.

Oakley claimed: “Brett would have been available to play for us this week as Worcestershire haven’t got a game, but we wish him every success with the Lions.”

Meanwhile, the seconds got the better of Old Elizabethans by six wickets.

OEs were kept to 177-9, before Dominic D’Oliveira (57) and Tom Oakley (66) got among the runs to guide Ombersley to 181-4.