THE Southern Highlanders had mixed fortunes in their latest round of matches in the 2009 District Cup.

The u13s continued their winning start to the season at Newland Cricket Ground.

Brandon Wain (Malvern CC) returned figures of 2-16 off his eight overs, while Alex Clasen picked up three wickets and Nick Jones, of Nomads, got two as the hosts were set a target of 164.

The Highlanders crawled to 19 after 12 overs before Broadway’s Sam Nicholls sparked the game into life with his knock of 69 being well supported by Nick Jones (29).

Following the loss of four quick wickets, Rushwick’s Jake Saunders and Mark Johnson steered their side to victory and top of the league with four rounds remaining.

Highlanders’ u12s team made the journey to Astwood Bank and lost out in a close encounter.

Warriors batted first and set a challenging total of 165. The target could have been much higher but for fine spells of spin bowling from Antony Pratley, of Bretforton, Sam Bannister, of Evesham, and skipper Michael Hines from Worcester Nomads.

The Highlanders’s reply started well but wickets began to tumble and the run-rate rose and the visitors fell just short.

The u11s entertained the Eastern Warriors at Evesham Cricket Club and, despite a hugely improved batting performance of 115 after last week’s 26 all out, they were unable to restrict the Warriors as they passed the Highlanders with ease.