Surrey staring relegation in the face

Surrey appear to be heading for an early return to the Second Division in the Norwich Union League after suffering a fifth consecutive defeat in their Edgbaston meeting with Warwickshire.

Last year's promotion winners endured another batting slump and an injury scare for England batsman Mark Butcher in struggling to 136 despite an unbeaten 52 by Ben Hollioake.

Warwickshire also had problems at 55 for 4 but all-rounder Dougie Brown set up a three-wicket win with more than seven overs to spare by scoring 63 after a bowling stint of 3 for 14.

The only good news for Surrey - and for England - was that a hospital scan revealed no serious damage to Butcher when he was struck on the left earguard by a short ball from Neil Carter.

The left-hander retired after making three and his Test team-mates, Ian Ward and Alec Stewart, were quickly cleaned up in three deliveries from South African-born Carter.

Mark Ramprakash did a little better by making 20 until edging Vasbert Drakes (3 for 35) high to Keith Piper's right for the best of the wicket-keeper's four catches in his benefit match.

Saqlain Mushtaq held up Warwickshire in a stand of 49 with top scorer Hollioake, but Brown then applied a swift closure by taking the last two wickets.

Recalled England paceman Alex Tudor landed an early blow for Surrey and Ed Giddins dismissed David Hemp and Michael Powell to quell the jeers from the crowd on his return to a former county.

Brown negotiated these setbacks with a rapid 50 in 59 balls and Surrey were out of contention when the Scot was caught at mid-on after a partnership of 73 with Trevor Penney. The consolation wicket went to Adam Hollioake but the Surrey captain joined the injury list after bowling only one ball in his second over.

Cricket manager Keith Medlycott came on as substitute and promptly held a slip catch from Penney as Ben Hollioake took two wickets in successive balls.