Tenbury 2nd 156 Avoncroft 2nd 126-7

The Tenbury bowlers were rewarded for keeping a tight stranglehold on the visiting Avoncroft batsmen, to finish up with a winning draw in the Worcestershire County League at Penlu on Saturday.

The visitors were only chasing a modest target of 157 and had the advantage of five extra overs after bowling the home team out inside the allotted overs, but were found wanting.

Alan Taylor (22) and Steve Giles (32) featured in an opening stand of 55 in 16 overs before both departed in quick succession. Barry Gordon kept up the momentum with a hard-hit 39 but with the rest of the middle order failing on a difficult rain-affected wicket the home side were struggling at 125-6.

At this point Mark Yarrington struck what turned out to be a crucial quick-fire 20 before the final wicket fell at 156 in the 45th over. Bobby Irish tied up one end all afternoon, taking full advantage of the helpful conditions to finish with 3-47.

Adrian Edwards and Yarrington bowled a tight-line to restrict the Avoncroft reply to 35-1 off the opening 15 overs. Alan Taylor, Barry Gordon (3-35 off 18 overs) and Giles (2-24 off ten) kept the batsmen, most of whom got in without being able to master the tricky conditions, in check.

Tenbury were rewarded for their persistence in the face of deteriorating weather conditions to gain a winning draw as Avoncroft finished 31 runs short of their target on 126-7 after 55 overs

This week Tenbury have a double header with Claverley with the first team at Penlu.