AVONCROFT Cricket Club's final warm-up game for the new season ended with a narrow two-run defeat at home to Warwickshire league side Ward End Unity.

On a fairly slow wicket last Saturday, Unity's unique, aggressive style made for some entertaining cricket during the first couple of hours.

Opener Hussain hit 47, which included several lusty blows over extra cover, before he became the first of Paul Athey's two victims. Mills (34 not out) and Guy (30) continued Unity's good work, taking them to their final total of 185-8 from 40 overs with Wayne Pugh (1-36), Andy Pittam (1-24) and Adam Rodway (1-12) the other wicket-takers.

Croft's reply started brightly with Chris Townsend continuing his good form of last year. He hit a confident 48, giving Croft a solid platform to work from.

His opening partner John Goode was also looking good on his debut. Goode hit 55, including two towering sixes, and will be a new asset to add to Croft's already deep batting line-up this year.

After such a good start, Croft began to stutter with the slow pitch combining with some tight bowling to restrict the home side's attempt to push on towards their target.

With ten overs left, Croft still needed 70, and despite a valiant effort from Mark Whitehead (32) and Richard Doodey (24no), Croft needed five to win when Whitehead was dismissed off the penultimate ball.

Rich Sinclair strode out knowing a four was needed to tie the game, and despite connecting perfectly with a pull shot, one of Unity's ten boundary fielders managed to slide round the boundary's edge to secure victory for the visitors.