STRUGGLING Droitwich came agonisingly close to grabbing a surprise victory over Worcester League Division One leaders Kington on Saturday.

Spa had Kington in trouble at 171-9 with six runs needed for victory, but batsman Alan Butterworth survived a strong call by bowler Mike Rogers for lbw to grab the runs that condemned Droitwich to an undeserved defeat.

Defeat was undeserved for Droitwich, who had been inspired by batsman Australian Josh Staines and bowlers Rogers and Richard Ferley.

Captain Steve Walsh lost the toss and saw his side put into bat. Openers Gary Cartwright (19) and Paul Bryan (24) though made a smooth start.

However, in-form Cartwright was ran out by Turpin and was replaced by Jerome Connor.

Bryan was caught out by one of experienced bowler Kevin Gwynne's quicker deliveries as Droitwich fell to 60-2.

Connor (8) was not allowed to get into her stride and was stumped by wicket keeper Turpin.

Staines (49) came out and batted aggressively but Walsh (2) was another victim to Gwynne and Droitwich collapsed to 65-4.

Ferley (32) though came to the crease and forged a 72 run partnership with Staines, who was eventually caught and bowled by Adam Herbert.

Alex Kolb (19) started confidently with three boundaries, but was removed by Tom Brierley, who also dismissed Ferley.

Rogers (9) and Gareth Thomas (2 not out) ensured Spa saw out their overs and gave Kington a target of 177 for victory.

Karl Goddard made an early breakthrough when he dismissed Edward Symonds (6), but Brierley (37) and Dave Exall (17) steadied Kington.

Rogers dismissed Exall to leave Kington on 33-2. Big hitting Australian Butterworth (86) anchored his side's innings as the wickets fell around him.

Spinner Ferley (4-27) was brought into replace Goddard and Rogers and the change of tactic worked, dismissing Sam Williams (6), Owen Price (7) and Dominic Marsh (2).

Rogers (4-56) who roared back to form after a slow start to the season with three more wickets, dismissing Herbert (0), Turpin (2) and Dominic Marsh to leave Kington on 171-9.

However, Butterworth grabbed the winning runs after surviving a call for lbw.

Droitwich take on Stourbridge away from home on Saturday (1.30pm start).