STONE surrendered the only unbeaten record in Worcestershire League Division Five in the final over of Saturday's game with MBS Newland.

The Malvern visitors reached their stiff target of 251 thanks to an undefeated 159 from Phil Birch.

Fittingly, Birch hit the winning runs over long on for six - his tenth of the match - leaving Stone with six points.

The home side batted first and started steadily against a good seam attack.

Dean Aldridge was LBW for a 78-ball 50 as Stone put on 94 for the first wicket.

Gareth Bryant (64) and Keith Harrington then took control as Newland began to suffer in the heat.

Harrington was in fine form as he scored a stylish 64 from 53 balls.

Skipper Gary Bourke blazed a quick-fire 24 and Stone were confident they could defend their total.

However, Newland began briskly and never took the foot of the pedal.

Pete Durnell and Matt Tyrrell bowled well but Birch powered the visitors home with a fine display of controlled hitting.

Stone 251-5, MBS Newland 257-5.