Seth Essenhigh hit a fine century for Worcestershire Academy (Under-18s) but it proved in vain in the ECB Under-18 County Cup second round match with Staffordshire at Alveley CC.
The keeper-batter came in with Worcestershire, requiring a 245 target, on 40-3, and struck 119 off 122 balls.
Essenhigh amassed six sixes and 10 fours and put on 67 for the sixth wicket with Toby Cox.
But Worcestershire’s hopes ended when he was seventh out for 209 in the 41st over and the last three wickets fell for three runs.
They were eventually bowled out for 219 in 44 overs and went down by 25 runs.
Earlier, Staffordshire had reached 134-1 but then collapsed to 181-8 before the last two wickets added 63 runs.
Ben Clements claimed the first wicket and finished with 3-53 and the other Worcestershire wicket-takers were Chris Ellison (10-1-29-2), Josh Leach (10-0-40-2) and Ullah Azami (10-0-56-2).
Worcestershire are back in action today (Monday) when they take on Herefordshire Seconds in a 50 over encounter at Eastnor CC.
