STOURPORT firsts dropped to fifth in Division Three North with a 35-run defeat which lifted hosts Old Halesonians to top spot.

The home side's decision to bat first on a poor square in hot conditions paid off as they rattled up a score of 257 in the 50th over.

Andy Platt and Adam Sellick offered the most resistance for Stourport with three wickets each.

In reply, Platt (34), Ian Delo (33), Neil Bailey (26) and Allan Moss (26) all made useful contributions but Stourport were bowled out for 222 in the 41st over.

l Stourport seconds exacted some revenge with a 28-run home victory over Old Halesonians.

Electing to bat, the hosts burst out of the blocks with an impressive opening wicket partnership from Rich Savery (57) and Clive Judd (55).

Tom Gloster also contributed a useful 23, but wickets started to tumble and the innings closed disappointingly on 207-8.

In reply Old Halesonians also were looking good on 100-1 in the 20th over but the introduction of the spinners changed things dramatically.

Kev Haycock took a match-winning 4-27 and Tom Gloster weighed in with 3-30 as the visitors were bowled out in the 42nd over for 179.