Worcestershire Rapids succumbed to a 23-run defeat to rivals the Bears on Friday, as their Vitality T20 Blast qualification hopes took a hit.
The Rapids bowlers took wickets at regular intervals but struggled to contain the Bears batters, as Tom Taylor (1-27) had the most economical evening for his side, accompanied well by Ben Dwarshuis (3-30) as the Bears were bowled out for 176.
Adam Hose batted in stylish fashion for his 51, but a lack of partnerships made life difficult for the home side, with cameos from Roderick (30) and Isaac (25) saw the home side fall to a 23- run defeat.
A win against Leicestershire Foxes on Sunday is now essential if the Rapids are to stand a chance of reaching the last-eight of the competition.
Less than 24 hours on from their nail-biting 12-run win away at Derbyshire Falcons, the Rapids were back in action as captain Brett D’Oliveira announced one team change at the toss, with Henry Cullen coming in for Kashif Ali.
Electing to bowl first in the searing heat, the Rapids had youngster Henry Cullen to thank for a stunning reflex catch at first-slip in the third over of the match, that rewarded Tom Taylor’s excellent start as Tom Latham departed for one.
Ben Dwarshuis (3-30) nearly made a breakthrough with the second ball of his spell, but D’Oliveira was unable to cling on to a tough chance at extra-cover, but the very next ball he did strike, as he had Alex Davies caught behind to peg the visitors back once more.
At the end of the powerplay the Bears made their way to 53-2, with Adam Finch and Khurram Shahzad both introduced into the attack, continuing the Rapid’s search for top-order wickets.
Hain and Mousley came together, adding 63 for the third-wicket in an assured partnership, before Finch returned in style to remove the dangerous Mousley for 31 in the tenth over.
Fateh Singh (1-34) produced yet again for his side as he had England hopeful Jacob Bethell caught for six at long-off by Dwarshuis, with the visitors 98-4.
Sam Hain continued to make life hard for the Rapids, but lost partner Ed Barnard (23) when he top-edged a short ball from Dwarshuis to give Gareth Roderick a steepling catch behind the stumps, before Hain himself departed for 44 when his efforts to clear the rope off Shahzad fell short and straight into the obliging hands of Cullen at deep backward square leg.
At 141-6 with five overs remaining, Shahzad proved his worth once more by picking up his second wicket of the evening to dismiss Hasan Ali with a smart caught and bowled, before Dwarshuis had Briggs caught behind and Craig Miles was run-out without facing as the Rapids raced towards a strong finish.
George Garton’s cameo of 36 dragged the Bears to 176 all out, as the Rapids set about their chase.