STONE claimed their first Worcestershire League Division Five win of the season against rivals Chainwire by 59 runs.

Put into bat, the Stone openers made a slow but solid start on a damp wicket and outfield as the first 25 overs yielded only 55 runs.

With the departure of Pete Harler and John Morley for 35 runs each, wickets fell cheaply but Nick Powell (45 not out) was aided by some lusty hitting from the tail-enders.

The villagers reached 166-8 which could have been more but for good bowling by Chainwire's Steve Hyams (5-58).

The visitors' innings started poorly, being stuck on 4-2 after just three overs before stand of 45 from Trevor Paddock and Steve James brought them back into the game.

However with the loss of Paddock they collapsed to 107 all out, leaving James on 47 not out.

Opening bowlers Nick Powell and Pete Durnell both took 3-26 to give Stone a welcome 24 points and lift them to second position in the table.

Stone 166-8, Chainwire 107.

On Sunday Stone lost a high-scoring game by 56 runs to strong Belbroughton who fielded several first teamers.

Batting first, Belbroughton piled on the runs with Bayley (69) and Pardoe (78) helping them to a huge score of 238 all out.

Richard Millington was the pick of the Stone bowlers with 3-52.

In reply, Stone scored 51 off the first 10 overs, thanks to Bob Batsford (32) and Harler (48).

Wickets started to fall but a six-over stand of 82 between Mike Brazier (82 not out) and Ian Dawson (34 not out) helped the hosts to a respectable 229-6.

Belbroughton 238, Stone 229-6.