WORCESTERSHIRE lost by five wickets to rivals Warwickshire in their Second XI Championship opener at Birmingham's Portland Road.

But both sides deserved credit for breathing life back into a game which had seemed destined for a tame draw after a rain-affected first two days.

The visitors resumed overnight on 211-5 with George Rhodes on 91 not out and Ben Twohig 51no.

The visitors were fed 129 runs in just 13.5 overs from the occasional bowling of wicketkeeper Alex Mellor and Ed Pollock.

Twohig added only five more to his tally but Rhodes took advantage to finish unbeaten on 151 from 225 balls with four sixes and 15 fours.

Dillon Pennington made 63no from 45 balls with five sixes and four fours before the declaration at 340-6.

Both sides then forfeited an innings and Warwickshire were left a target of 341 in 80 overs by County skipper Ollie Westbury.

Paceman Pat Brown gave the County a fine start by dismissing Andy Umeed for a duck with the second ball.

Trialist Grant Thornton broke a stand of 96 between Liam Banks (52) and Pollock (46) by dismissing both in the space of four overs to leave Warwickshire on 117-3.

But Adam Hose took charge with 153no from 159 balls with six sixes and 14 fours.

Hose added 122 for the fourth wicket with Alex Thomson (44) before the latter was caught behind off Pennington.

Brown returned to claim a second success in Aaron Thomason for 11 at 287-5.

But that was the County’s last breakthrough as Hose and Mellor saw their side to victory with eight overs to spare.