DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club First XI secured their second successive victory by defeating Netherton by six wickets in a 500-run Worcestershire County League division one match.

In hot conditions at St Peters Fields last Saturday, Steve Walsh's side, who beat Pershore by five wickets in their last outing, reached their target of 252 with two overs to spare.

Spa's decision to bowl first looked like being the wrong one as Netherton's Nigel Davenport before an innocuous delivery from Gary Cartwirght saw Davenport (19) chip the ball to Ian Duggan at square leg.

Troy Lee joined Netherton captain Steve Hall at the crease and immediately found his form. Lee was the major factor in a partnership of 94, taking the visitors to 119 in 27 overs.

Glen Harrison then tempted Hall with a well flighted delivery and he was caught by wicketkeeper Steve Walsh.

Lee was on 72 when he misjudged a Mike Gunston delivery and was caught in the deep.

Gunston (4-77) brought Spa back into the game with two quick wickets, bowling Oseland and having Darren Hall caught.

With only nine overs left, Netherton were 180-6, but a mixture of poor bowling and average fielding allowed them to 251-6.

Jerome Connor and Dave Scott-Walker started Spa's reply well before Connor was caught behind for 18. And when Duggan was trapped LBW, Spa found themselves 55-2.

Stuart Bryan and Scott-Walker formed the first of three excellent partnerships that saw Spa home with two overs remaining.

Scott-Walker was dismissed for 76 after hitting 14 boundaries. Stuart Bryan was caught for a majestic 75 as the hosts reached 207-4 in the 39th over.

Gunston (16) and Paul Bryan (34) guided Spa to victory.