EVESHAM'S promotion hopes received another setback last Saturday when they lost to Stourport by 47 runs.

The Avon Street side still top Division Two of the Worcestershire League but they must make a swift return to winning ways at third in the table Feckenham on Saturday if they are to sustain their title challenge.

Chasing a target of 202 for victory, a mixture of poor batting and a couple of dubious umpiring decisions conspired to work against the hosts for whom four of the top six batters failed to capitalise on good starts.

Debutant Iqbal top scored with 35 after the reply had slumped to a disappointing 79-6.

Earlier in the day, the visitors were given first use of another superb surface and they made a fine start with a half-century stand for the opening wicket.

Spinner Quinn Jones, however, soon got among the wickets and, allied to the economy of namesake Paul, Stourport were reduced to 80-4.

A stout middle order rescued the position despite figures of 3-66 and 1-22 from 14 overs for the Jones, Quinn and Paul respectively.

A total of 201-7 then proved too many for an Evesham outfit that has won just once in their last five league matches.

Mathew Jackson recorded his second century of the summer but it wasn't enough to help the second string overcome Stourport.

Jackson hit 109 and Simon Cadwallader 62 in an Evesham total of 248-7 and two quick wickets after tea left the visitors in charge.

However, Shackleton blasted his way to an impressive century and the winning runs were scored with just seven balls and four wickets remaining.