Worcestershire Rapids fell at the last hurdle as they suffered a final ball defeat to Lancashire Lightning.

This blow came despite a magnificent career-first 50 for Josh Cobb, who hit 74 off 52 balls, and the Rapids' highest total (181-4) of their Vitality Blast campaign in the clash at Emirates Old Trafford.

Other key performances from the Rapids included Gareth Roderick's 26 off 20 balls, and Adam Hose, who hit an unbeaten 45 off 26.

Read more: Kashif Ali heroics steers Worcestershire to first county win of season

Matthew Waite and and Ethan Brookes led the way with the ball in hand, claiming three and two wickets each, respectively.

The team looked to be en route to victory, but Lancashire had not read the script.

Lightning had lost wickets at regular intervals after Keaton Jennings early offensive flurry, which left the hosts in need of a demanding 53 runs from the final four overs.

They managed to stay within reach thanks to Tom Bruce's 50 off 36 before fate struck a cruel blow as Worcestershire loanee Luke Wood's six saw the Lightning claim victory with a solitary ball remaining.

On his bittersweet game, Cobb said: "We played some good cricket in that game and we were still in with a shout going into the last over, so to lose with a ball to spare is obviously bitterly disappointing.

“You look back to the Northants game when Gareth Roderick could have got us over the line and then potentially me at Leicestershire and, if we’d won those close ones, things look a little different.

“The dressing room becomes a little more confident and that filters through.

"On the other hand, if you then get well-beaten in a game, you’re a long way behind the eight ball.

“But that’s been the story of the season.

"We’ve not been winning those close games and in a competition like this, they’re the ones you have to win."

Reflecting on his own personal showing, Cobb said: "I’ve been disappointed with my own form, I’ve not got going with the bat, so it was nice to get some runs today.

"I felt 180 was a good score.

“The pitch called for good strong cricket shots but once you’ve faced a few balls, you revert to slogging and once I’d got used to the pitch everything became a little bit easier.”