A COMPREHENSIVE bowling performance from Avoncroft Cricket Club First XI gave them a winning draw at Claverley.

Having been dismissed for 141 in their Worcestershire County League division four clash last Saturday, Paul Athey's side came up with some tight bowling, including the captain's 5-32, to stop Claverley in their tracks.

Things started badly for Croft after they lost the toss and were put into bat on a heavily-watered wicket.

Croft's top order struggled to cope with the tricky batting conditions and slumped to 57-6 with only Rich Sinclair (19) showing any signs of dominating.

A seventh-wicket partnership of 39 between John Goode (23) and Nick Riley (16) sparked some signs of recovery, but both were dismissed in quick succession to leave Croft on 96-8.

Athey (pictured) and Andy Pittam put on 37 for the ninth wicket before Pittam was dismissed with five balls to go. Athey (27 not out) and Jimmy Deakin (six no) then took 12 from the last over as Croft scrambled their way to 144-9.

With the wicket dried out, Claverley looked hot favourites in reply at 41-0.

Dave James made the first breakthrough, dismissing Baker for 21 and when Athey took two wickets shortly after, Croft were back in the game.

Claverley, with skipper Winterbottom having retired hurt with a bad back, regained their composure and despite some tight bowling needed just 52 runs from the last ten overs with six wickets left.

The turning point came with five overs to go and 28 runs needed to win when Burton (38), who had held the Claverley innings together, was run out by James.

From then on, Croft's bowlers held their nerve as a succession of batsmen came and went in pursuit of victory.

James picked up his second wicket to finish with 2-37 and Athey cleaned up with 5-32 off his 16 overs.

Claverley's skipper was able to return to the field to survive the final three balls and deny Croft victory, closing at 143-9.