WORCESTERSHIRE suffered a seven-wicket defeat to local rivals Gloucestershire in their first home pre-season game of the year.

The 50-over match, which took place at Kidderminster due to the ongoing recovery of the New Road pitch following the flooding, saw the County bat first and post 255 all out.

Captain Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 46, before the lower order was called upon to bolster the hosts’ total as Ross Whiteley (26), Gareth Andrew (30), Ben Cox (33) and Brett D’Oliveira (42) all chipped in with contributions.

But Steve Rhodes’ men were unable to defend their target as a century from Gloucestershire’s Alex Gidman led his side to a convincing victory.

The County’s next friendly is at Gloucestershire in a three-day encounter, starting on Wednesday (11am).

England and County star Moeen Ali play Sri Lanka in the World Twenty20 on Thursday.