UNLUCKY Netherton just missed out on promotion from Worcester County League Division Three despite annihilating Avoncroft by 193 runs in their final fixture.

Netherton needed second placed Old Vigornians to slip up against Bartestree and Lugwardine, but the Worcester side won by four wickets to finish eight points clear.

Netherton did their best by reaching 256 for six declared after Matt Lowe made top score of 63 while Mohammed Wasim Nawaz added a further 53 not out.

Depleted Avoncroft could only field 10 men and soon proved well below the task in reply as they were skittled out for just 63 runs in reply inside 17 overs.

It means Netherton finish third with Vigornians and champions Harborne Thirds promoted to Division Two next term.