STOURPORT began their Worcestershire League Division Two campaign with a disappointing five-wicket defeat to visitors Brockhampton.

Both sides were short of several regulars but Stourport were further weakened when Martin Brewer rushed to hospital after an hour as his wife went into labour.

At the time, they had struggled to 40-4 after being asked to bat but Dave Cook (49) and John Shackleton staged a temporary recovery.

However, the unfortunate dismissal of Shackleton sparked a dramatic collapse with the last five wickets tumbling for just six runs.

Matt Roberts hit back for Stourport with two early bowling strikes but despite late wickets for Phil Williams and Andy Platt, the outcome of the game was never in doubt.

Stourport 91, Brockhampton 95-5.

The seconds fielded several juniors in their visit to Brockhampton and looked capable of an upset.

The home side were reeling at 28-4 after John Downes captured three early wickets.

Kev Haycock then took 4-55 as Brockhampton eventually recovered to 151 all out.

Steve Davis bludgeoned 44 runs in reply but otherwise only Downes managed double figures as the inexperienced visitors crumbled to 89 all out.

Brockhampton 151, Stourport 89.