RUN scorers Dave James and Jon Bird made sure Avoncroft found their form in Saturday's winning draw with Oldswinford.

The duo's third wicket stand of 82 gave 'Croft the impetus the team needed to take the lion's share of the points in the Worcester League Division Three.

While James (46) steadied the order with a solid display, Bird (56) went all out for attack and hit three sixes.

Dave Apperley (46 not out) and Matt Hare (22 not out) then guided their side to 215-4 to ensure Spa a batting point.

However, Croft missed out on maximum points as Oldswinford's strong batting order dug in.

Captain Paul Athey (3-53) and James (5-86) shared all of the wickets.

The dismissal of Brewer (2) and Fradgley (0) put Avoncroft in control, but Oldswinford's middle order hit back.

Robinson 29, Sidaway (29), Scott (91) and Soukup (20) guided Croft's opponents to 195-8.

* On Sunday Avoncroft lost to Worcester Nomads by five runs.

After losing the toss 'Croft were made to bowl, but Chris Skinner (3-46) and Andy Nicholl (1-32) kept Worcester to 226-6 in 40 overs.

Bird (44) and Scott Devlin (31) provided Croft with the batting impetus.

Matt Hare (64) and Apperley (57 not out) made sure Croft ran Worcester close, but they finished on 221-4.