OLD Hill chairman Bob Jones says the side must make sure they don't become over-reliant on star man Monil Patel.

The Indian all-rounder once again carried the fight to Himley last Saturday before his dismissal began the start of collapse that resulted in the hosts falling short at Haden Hill.

Rivals Himley had posted 210 from their innings after skipper Ben Smith hit a vital half century.

He added to an important 73 from opener Will Fraine as the visitors edged towards a competitive total on a pitch that offered little for either side.

Old Hill's chase started slowly but they were soon progressing towards their target with wickets in hand.

However, once Patel was trapped lbw by Jaime Turner for 45, the home side's task began to look ever more challenging.

A vital spell from Chris Boroughs saw him bag the scalps of James Howell and Dan Brosnan as Old Hill stalled on 134-6.

Worcestershire's Tom Kohler-Cadmore accounted for the wickets of Thomas Elwell and Nigel Davenport late on as the hosts were finally bowled out in the 45th over for 162, still 48 runs short.

The result means Old Hill are still searching for their first win this season after three games.

Jones said: "We must make sure we don't end up relying on Monil too often. It can be easy to do that, especially when others are struggling for a bit of form, which is the case at the moment.

"Others need to step up and make sure that doesn't happen.

"Overall, I thought we bowled well against Himley to restricted them but were just light-weight with the bat.

"The alarm bells aren't sounding just yet. We started similar to this last year.

"I don't think the current 50 over form suits us. We come into our own when it is 55 overs and it's not all or nothing.

"Once we get that first win I think the confidence that will give us will be a big help."

Jones thinks the level of competition at the club will help his side improve as the season goes on.

"We have people that are knocking on the door of the first team after getting runs for the seconds. That can only be a good thing for us.

"I think those in the team are aware of that already and they will start to feel the heat if they are not performing."

Old Hill go in search of their first win of the season with a trip to Attock this Saturday (noon start).