STONE dropped two vital catches as Highley marched to a Worcestershire League Division Five victory by six wickets.

Highley put Stone into bat on a damp wicket and scoring runs was difficult against accurate bowling as only James Batsford (33) seemed to cope.

Boyce (2-20) gave little away in 12 overs and Stone were dismissed for 130.

Highley lost two wickets inside the first 20 runs but were then let off by the dropped catches which allowed them to recover.

S Walford (36) and T Wall (39 not out) helped them home with 12 overs left.

Stone 130, Highley 132-4.

Stone lost to old friends Stourbridge Social by four wickets in a friendly on Sunday after making a steady batting start.

Rupert Smale (36) and Pete Harler (45) impressed before Mike Brazier blasted a quick 104 to boost the villagers' total to 232-8.

In a spirited reply, Stourbridge were helped to 82-2 off the first 12 overs by wayward bowling.

Fred Buxton's 3-28 slowed the run-rate but a 10-over stand of 78 by L Mellor (41) and M Mangan (58 not out) saw them home with an over remaining.

Stone 232-8, Stourbridge 233-6.