Old Vigornians 131 all out

Avoncroft 134-5

Avoncroft win by five wickets

AVONCROFT cemented second place in the Worcester League Division Three with a comfortable five wicket victory over Old Vigornians on Saturday. DANGER MAN: Dave James was in sparkling form for Avoncroft against Old Vigornians, taking six wickets on Saturday.

Fine bowling by Dave James (6-64), backed up by captain Paul Athey and Jon Crowther, gave Avoncroft the edge over their mid-table rivals.

Athey, who took 2-27, dismissed Vigornians opening batsmen to give his side the edge.

James then took control and his awkward bowling terrorised Vigornians' batting order.

Crowther also chipped in with 2-25 as Croft's opponents collapsed to 131 all out.

However, Vigornian's bowlers also took advantage of the damp conditions to strike early on. Choudrey took three wickets as Croft collapsed to 38-4.

But Dave Appereley (32) and Mark Whitehead (41 not out) lead Croft's fight back.

Whitehead hit Choudry for 16 runs off his final two overs to put Croft back in control.

Apperley also proffited from spinner Harris, hitting three boundaries from four balls before he was dismissed.

James though (14 not out) did not allow his side's grip on the game to weaken as he and Whitehead guided them 134-5 and victory.

Victory means Avoncroft have pulled away from third placed Oldswinford, who lost to Amblecote and Wollaston.

They are also keeping the pressure on leaders Lye, who have a 27 point lead over Avoncroft.

On Saturday Avoncroft entertain Oldswinford at home in a top of the table clash (1.30pm start).