WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids are involved in a three-team battle for a home semi-final in the Vitality Blast heading into the final week of North Group matches.

Rapids are now lying in second spot with two games to play after their narrow defeat against Leicestershire Foxes at the Fischer County Ground last night.

Durham Jets have reclaimed top spot after their victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Wantage Road.

They are a single point ahead of Rapids who in turn are two in front of third-placed Lancashire Lightning who overcame Birmingham Bears at Emirates Old Trafford.

Rapids wind up their group campaign by entertaining Notts Outlaws on Sunday (2.30pm) and visiting the Bears on Friday.

Lightning have to face Bears in the return encounter at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

On the Foxes defeat, Ross Whiteley said: “It is disappointing not to chase down that total (155-9) after a good performance with the ball.

“I thought our bowlers kept them back quite nicely, never allowing them to really get on top.

“But it is tough when you lose three wickets in the powerplay. That puts you under pressure and their bowlers from overs six to 10 bowled nicely and we were always up against it from there.

“Callum (Ferguson) has been great for us, scoring some big runs for us and hopefully that continues.

“It looked like he might get us home but it wasn’t to be.

“I think Durham go ahead of us and we need a couple more wins but we are still backing ourselves to get a home quarter-final.”