THIRD Division honours are still undecided with just one match of the season remaining after Stourbridge fell from the summit of the Birmingham and District League table.

In a top-of-the-table clash at Rugby, it was the home side who took the victory at Webb Ellis Road by just four runs – pushing themselves to the head of the division by six points and putting an end to Stour’s reign.

But controversy surrounds the match following complaints to the league by the match officials regarding damage to the pitch.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Stour bowled out the home side for 116 in the 40th over.

Rugby’s number five Henry Parker top scored on 36, helping his side go from 55 for 4 from when he came into bat to a score of 100 for 7 when he was out for lbw from the bowling of Hasnain Nawaz. Nathan Crudeli and Dan Such took three wickets a piece for the visitors.

After a tea break and rain shower, Stour re-started their innings on 32 for 1 off seven overs, but scuffed up pitch marks were seen by the umpires when the covers were removed.

The decision was taken to continue the match with Stour being awarded five penalty runs. The remaining target of 85 runs was well within reach of the visitors with more than 200 balls to get them and nine wickets intact.

However, four wickets fell between the scores of 87 and 99, with Stour 18 runs adrift helped by nerves and arguably the damaged pitch.

Rugby took advantage of the pressures and caught out number nine Dan Such with a bouncing delivery, leaving the last wicket of skipper Josh Banks and number ten Husnaine Nawaz to get five runs.

In the haste to reach the target, Banks was run out – just four runs short of victory – losing not only the match, but the grip on winning the league title.

But with promotion already sealed, there is now an anxious period for the War Memorial Ground outfit as they await the outcome of the Birmingham League considerations regarding the damaged pitch.

Stour will be back at home on Saturday as they host Stratford (noon start) in the final match of the season.