HEREFORDSHIRE played their second match in their Middleton Cup section at Ledbury where they suffered a 148-102 defeat to Worcestershire, winning on only two rinks and losing by 18 points to four.

It was their second successive defeat in the national competition after losing to Warwickshire in their opening match at Leominster and they are now bottom of the group with six points from a possible 44 and a final match against leaders Gloucester-shire scheduled for July 7 at Frampton.

Phil Middleton's rink played very well throughout against Worcestershire. They were always in control against a strong visiting rink and well deserved their 21-16 win.

The other home win came from Mike Ricketts' rink who scored a six at the fourth end to lead 10-1 and went on to a fine 22-17 success.

The rink skipped by Rob Gwilliam won seven of the first eight ends to lead 18-1, but surprisingly lost 17 shots in four ends, including a seven and six which allowed Worcestershire back into the game and saw internationalist Rob Stanley guide his rink to a 28-25 victory.

Phil Williams' rink had a very tight first 13 ends against England's international captain Grant Burgess and led 12-11 but they lost the remaining eight ends to go down 23-12.

Ron Perry's rink were down 8-5 after nine ends before losing 15 shots in four ends and, although they fought back, winning four successive ends, the deficit could not be recovered and they finally lost 28-11.

The heaviest defeat was suffered by Dave Magness, whose rink were not at their best and managed to win only six ends against a very strong visiting rink. Herefordshire were down 23-5 after 12 ends and, although they won the next four, they finished 36-11 down.