PAUL Athey took 6-27, including five wickets in 18 balls, as his Avoncroft Cricket Club First XIs notched up their third successive victory, a 100-run success at Hanley Castle and Upton, to lead Worcestershire County League division four.

Avoncroft, who dismissed Old Halesonians for 89 and Tenbury for 98 in their last two matches, set their hosts a target of 167 before skittling them out for 66.

Things though started badly for Croft as they lost the toss and were put into bat. The top order coped well and, despite losing an early wicket, a 50-run partnership between Matt Hare (18) and Dave James (31) had the visitors heading for a competitive total.

Both were dismissed in quick succession by John Fletcher (5-37) who shortly added two more wickets to leave Croft reeling at 79-5.

Jon Bird and Andy Pittam added 41 for the sixth wicket before Pittam was bowled for 18. Bird followed soon after to a stunning caught and bowled effort for 28, again leaving Croft struggling on 133-8.

Two late partnerships between skipper Athey (16 not out) and firstly Jimmy Deakin (10) and then Spencer George (5), saw the visitors post 166.

Croft were confident of defending a low total but were dealt a blow when James injured his back just three balls into the innings, leaving him unavailable for the rest of the game.

Youngster Deakin again gave Croft the early breakthrough they required, using his raw pace to bowl danger-man Heath (0) and Hayes (2) inside his first three overs.

Athey finally got in on the action, forcing Thompson into an outside edge which Wayne Pugh held on to at gully. At 52-3, Hanley Castle were still firmly in the game.

Athey (6-27) then stepped up a gear, taking five wickets in 18 deliveries as Hanley Castle's resistance disintegrated.

His final four wickets came without conceding a run, and with Pugh (2-8) picking up the final two wickets, Hanley Castle crashed to 66 all out.

Avoncroft CC Seconds defeated Hanley Castle and Upton by seven wickets last Saturday.

Hanley won the toss and batted but tight bowling and fielding restricted the visitors to 136 all out.

Bob Irish bowled a marathon spell of 25 overs, finishing with 2-63. He was supported by Adam Rodway (3-39), Guy Weston (3-9) and William Sach (1-10).

Avoncroft's batsmen did a professional job in reaching the total with contributions from Chris Townsend (27), Ian Carpenter (35), Steve George (19 not out) and Rob Holden (48no).