AVONCROFT suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Stourport after they suffered a batting collapse in the Worcester League Division Three on Saturday.

With a target of 151 to reach for victory 'Croft's batting order collapsed 60 runs short.

Stourport had made a strong start with the batting, racing to 109-1.

However, Alex Groucutt turned the tide when he ran out Bevan Neil (59).

With the impetus driving Avoncroft their bowlers took advantage, with captain Paul Athey leading the way with 4-34, while Dave James took 4-57 as Stourport were dismissed for 150.

However, Croft's reply with the bat was muted after losing three top order batsmen for 14 runs.

Jon Bird (29) tried to launch a fight back, before Neil removed him.

Avoncroft slumped to 65-9 and a 25 run partnership between wicketkeeper Duncan Smith (24) and Athey (six not out) was too little too late.