DAVID James hit his second highest score for Avoncroft CC First XI in their defeat at Harborne but finished the match injured.

James deposited the hosts' attack to all corners of the ground en route to a brilliant 158 not out as Croft posted 234-5.

But just 15 overs into the reply James twisted his knee while bowling and spent ten minutes on the ground before continuing in the field. Martin Cound also suffered a swollen hand to leave Croft, already without Nick Riley and Jimmy Deakin, with a weakened frontline attack.

And Paul Athey's team, who restored some much-needed pride after their nine-wicket defeat to Enville, could not prevent the hosts from grabbing a four-wicket victory with just three balls remaining.

The afternoon started promisingly. After stumbling to 77-5 with the regular loss of batting partners, James finally found an ally in Matt Hare, and the pair set about posting an unbeaten partnership of 157 for the sixth wicket.

While Hare contributed just 20 to the partnership, he allowed James to cut loose on his way to 158.

Harborne, promoted with Croft last year, stayed on top of the run-rate, reaching 137 without loss until Adam Rodway dismissed the dangerous Morris for 69.

Captain Athey, who shouldered much of the bowling responsibilities following the injuries, removed the other opener Adams, in the next over, and from that point Croft began to turn the screw.

Rich Sinclair took three wickets in a vital nine-over spell, and with Athey entering his 21st over, Harborne still needed 17 off 12 balls.

But tiny boundaries square of the wicket proved too difficult to protect, and the hosts sneaked past their target in the final over.

Avoncroft's Second XI took a losing draw from the reverse fixture. C Townsend's 48 helped them reach 149-8 in reply to Harborne's 163-9.