CRAIG Southwick (pictured, right) produced an outstanding bowling display of 4-6 from six overs as Avoncroft CC First XI stretched their unbeaten run to four matches with a seven-wicket victory over Tenbury last Saturday.

Southwick was single handedly responsible for dismantling over half the visitors' batting order, helping dismiss them for 122-8 from 45 overs in the Worcestershire County League division four clash.

He said: "It was alright and I quite enjoyed it.

Philosophy

"I have this philosophy in cricket that if I don't know where the ball is going, then the batsmen hasn't got a chance."

And that philosophy certainly seemed to work for Craig, who took just six overs to compile his triumph.

"I managed to keep a bit of line and length and it worked," he added.

The figures are the best Craig, who lives in Redditch, has taken in eight years with the club but his achievement is extra sweet.

"I have recently turned 40 and have been getting a bit of stick about it," he joked.

"So I suppose I have shown the younger players a thing or two."

Extinguished

From then on the victory never looked in doubt with Wayne Pugh (1-26), making his first team debut, causing the Tenbury batsmen all sorts of problems.

David James also took a wicket to slow Tenbury's run-rate to a crawl before Southwick extinguished any hopes of a revival.

Despite a slight wobble in reply when Croft slipped to 67-3, their target always looked in reach.

Jon Bird (21 not out) and Southwick (36no) ensured the 20 points were secured with 16 overs remaining.

The result moves Avoncroft up to third in the table on 108 points, just 17 behind leaders Rushwick.

Avoncroft Seconds were awarded the win in their match at Tenbury as the hosts could not field a side.