Division Five hopefuls Hewell lost ground in the title race after suffering a losing draw in their top two meeting at league leaders Stourbridge 3s.

Duncan Ravenscroft took six wickets for Hewell as Stourbridge posted 232-9 but, despite a dogged 56no from Mark Garside, the visitors were unable to hit target and had to hang on and frustrate their hosts by refusing to surrender their last wicket.

Hewell started the day just a point behind their rivals but now have a nine point gap to make good.

And with third placed Highley beating Knighton-on-Teme by 105 runs, Hewell's cushion in the promotion places came in to seven points.

Hewell host Worcester Corinthians on Saturday (2pm start).