ALVECHURCH captain Nick Jones has given up hopes of promotion and warned his struggling side to prepare for a relegation scrap after a heavy weekend loss to Stourport.

The Birmingham Road side were skittled out for less than 100 after another fragile batting display which prompted the skipper's outburst.

"I had genuine hopes we would get promotion this year but now we're looking at fighting relegation," he said.

"We have to suspend any loftier ambitions until we can string a few wins together, our batting is so fragile at the moment."

The Worcester Three club are desperately missing batsmen Andy Bligh and John Smith through injury and unavailability and there is little hope of either returning for the visit of Victoria and Blakeley Hall on Saturday (2pm start).

"We are hoping to have them both back in a few weeks," added the Alvechurch captain.

"We had high hopes for the Rushwick game which was rained off and should have done better in the games we have played.

"There is a lot of talent in the side but we are not strong enough mentally and some people need to start taking responsibility."

Jones will again turn to talented young bowler Andy Fisher at the weekend as he bids to pull away from the drop zone.

n Alvechurch Seconds had a winning draw after a bizarre match against Stourport.

Church stumbled to 94 for nine after SEVEN ducks before a last wicket stand took them to 192 for nine.

Not to be outdone their opponents limped to 110 for nine before another last wicket half century saw them hang on for the unlikeliest of results.