The Old Vigornians lost by 48 runs at Redditch 2nd XI despite a magnificent century from Osman Fiaz, whose late attack gave the North Worcestershire side a fright.

Redditch won the toss and batted first on a good pitch, but were held in check by some accurate bowling.

Jabba Riaz conceded just 15 runs and picked up a wicket in an opening burst of seven overs, skipper Alex Parker took 2-38 with his left-arm spin and there was a welcome return for Charlie Lamb (3-43) from a knee injury.

Amelia Kite went wicketless but again was impressive.

Luke Davis top scored for Redditch with 43, but there were good contributions all the way down as they posted 237-7 in 50 overs.

The OVs were never able to get on top of some excellent Redditch bowling, with the exception of Fiaz, who became the second player to pass 500 runs for the season for the club during the innings.

When Kite was eighth out the Worcester side had only reached 133 and besides Fiaz only one other batsman had reached double figures - Parker, who made 24. But Fiaz was still there and approaching his century.

Jabba Riaz (13*) was able to rotate the strike and give valuable support, as Fiaz smashed boundary after boundary to briefly threaten an unlikely victory.

He reached his hundred in 126 balls and was eventually dismissed for 127 as the pair added 54 for the ninth wicket.

The OVs were bowled out for 189.

The Redditch showed enormous discipline - conceding just two wides - and Kevin Lokenath (4-56) returned the best figures.