REDDITCH'S Carrie Fearby starred as Worcestershire went down to a 52-40 home defeat to South Staffs in their penultimate fixture.

The results mean the county have to win their final fixture - a Division Two relegation battle against Hampshire North on Saturday, April 5.

The first quarter against Staffs proved to be extremely tight with the visitors taking an early lead. But Worcestershire hit back to end the opening quarter two up.

The second quarter went much the same way in the early stages with Staffs scoring goals without reply. But the resolute Worcestershire defence, in particular Dawn Burford, made timely interceptions to deny their opponents.

Worcestershire reduced the deficit by two at half time.

But as in previous games Worcestershire fell away in the second half. At the start of the third South Staffs brought on ex England shooter Joan Bryan and it was her accuracy in the shooting circle that was to prove Worcestershire's downfall.

Accurate shooting helped South Staffs increase their lead to nine.

Early in the final quarter Worcestershire scored four without reply to reduce the deficit but it proved to be a false dawn as South Staffs came back and scored five goals in succession to restore their cushion.

This finally knocked the stuffing out of the home side and South Staffs went on to win 52-40.

The County under 16s restored some pride with a 39-30 win over the same opponnents and included Redditch girl Gemma Bearcroft in their ranks.