STUBBORN Josh Stacey found himself left stranded as Feckenham produced a fantastic fightback but fell just three runs short of victory following a fabulous contest with second placed Bewdley in Worcester County League Division One.

Set to chase a Bewdley total of 174 all out, Feckenham appeared to have blown any chance of victory after slumping to 86 for seven in reply.

Stacey had other ideas and struck a defiant 68 not out until he finally ran out of partners with the score on 172.

Feckenham spokesman Luke Jackson said: "We did well to get as close as we did after suffering a bit of a collapse, but we just couldn't get back into it.

"Josh was absolutely gutted at the end and everyone was disappointed after getting so close to victory."

Feckenham's cause wasn't helped when they had overseas player Travis Bartells having to cut short his bowling spell to just five overs after picking up a hamstring niggle.

It meant Muhammed Idrees having more opportunity in attack and the medium pacer promptly obliged by mopping up the tail to take four for 14 which included a hat-trick.

Feckenham attempt to go that bit better this Saturday when they entertain Hereford side Burghill and Tillington.