LYE remain dangerously close to the Division Three drop zone following a nine wicket defeat to Stourport.

Batting first, Lye were bowled out for 197 thanks in large part to a stubborn 72 from Mo Ishtiaq while some late hitting from D Nicholls (47) also boosted the score.

Craig Siwicki, Dan Platt and Andrew Platt all took three wickets.

Siwicki then played a key role in Stourport’s reply as he smashed an unbeaten 123 after Bhanu Nehra had removed both openers to leave the visitors 8-2.

Dan Platt also hit 59 as the visitors raced to the target in 26.4 overs.

The result leaves Lye tenth in the table ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Himbleton.

There was altogether better news for Lye seconds, who thumped Kidderminter seconds by ten wickets.

Ryan Smith was the hero with 7-29 as he ripped through the Kiddy top order. David Borley also took three wickets as the visitors were skittled out for 89.

Nathan Rogers then hit an unbeaten 66 as Lye cruised home.