STONE'S Worcestershire League Division Six promotion hopes took a knock when they lost at home to West Malvern by just nine runs with one ball left.

Asked to bat first, West Malvern could not get to grips with the Stone bowlers Nick Powell (3-19) and Ray Logan (3-31).

At 128-9, Stone let Malvern recover to 158 all out with missed catches and poor fielding.

The home side made a disastrous start, falling to 3-3 after two overs.

Pete Glover (57) steadied the innings but their hopes faded with his dismissal in the penultimate over.

Malvern 158, Stone 149.

On Sunday, Stone beat Blakedown with Simon Drew (56) and Mike Weideman (44) top scoring.

Blakedown's 215-7 was mainly due to 101 not out from C Syner.

Stone put on 108 for the first wicket through Drew and Peter Harler (38) but lost four batsmen quickly.

Blakedown 215-7, Stone 216-6.