DAVID James is the toast of Avoncroft CC after hitting a quickfire 173 not out during the First XI's 70-run victory at Old Vigornians.

James, who reached his total in a 110-minute spell spanning 34 overs, needed only 45 minutes to move from 50 to 150 runs in the Worcestershire County League division four clash.

He found the boundary on 30 occasions, hitting 12 sixes and 17 fours, which accounted for 140 of his total.

James' biggest score of the season puts him within touching distance of 500 runs for the campaign and gives him an average of nearly 80 per game.

And his performance allowed Avoncroft to declare on 267-1 with three overs remaining.

But such a total had appeared inconceivable as Croft, put into bat after losing the toss, were held to 60-1 at the halfway stage with Rich Sinclair (26) the only wicket to fall.

No-one though had reckoned on the ferocious power of James who, coupled with Chris Townsend's 55no, steered the ball to all corners of the ground.

A steady 60-minute 50 was followed by boundary after boundary as he swamped the hosts with a barrage of hitting, resulting in his side's declaration.

But, in reply, Old Vigornians were determined to make a fight of it.

Despite struggling to 40-3, Foster made a determined 50 before Spencer George made him the second of his three-wicket haul.

With their side on 121-6, captain Phil Mackie and Charlie Annable put on 50 but it was fitting that James (3-28) was the player to wrap up victory as he dismissed Mackie for 40.

l Avoncroft Seconds lost eight wickets for just 26 runs as they went down by 16 runs at home to Old Vigornians.

Croft dismissed Old Vigornians for 122 with thanks to Jimmy Deakin (3-41) and Bob Irish (2-10).

And things looked good in reply as Croft reached 54-1 through openers Pete Whitehead (28) and Ian Athey (17).

But it all went wrong as they collapsed to 80-9 and, despite a last wicket stand of 27 from Irish and youngster Adam Rodway, Croft finished on 107.