IN a tense finish Avoncroft First XI failed to overhaul Domines and Guilds' modest score of 149, succumbing to a second home defeat by just 17 runs in Worcestershire County League Division Four.

With the ground under water just 48 hours before the match it was no surprise Avoncroft's captain Chris Townsend asked the visitors to bat first on a damp wicket.

Croft's opening burst yielded two early wickets, forcing Domines to consolidate.

Their innings was based around a defiant 61 from Anthony Crabb who punished anything loose, batting very sensibly until he was undone by a quicker delivery from an impressive Guy Weston.

Crabb's departure at 90 for six soon became 91 for seven thanks to an outstanding diving one handed catch by Nigel Jukes at backward square leg.

Marcus D'Olivera then took up the mantle with a stylish 30 that included five fours and a six to guide his side to 149 all out. All Croft's bowlers had success but it was the ever-keen Bob Irish, with a fine display of line and length bowling, which brought excellent figures of 3-32 off 14.

Despite the loss of two early wickets, Croft, with an extra five overs, looked comfortably on target to get themselves bowled as wickets fell just as batsmen looked set. Marcus D'Olivera made a further impression on the game, firstly with a stunning catch at slip to dismiss David James for 23, just as he began to take control, and then to dismiss Jon Bird with an unplayable delivery for 28.

Guy Weston joined proceedings and was batting with great sense and authority bringing the game back towards Croft. His unfortunate dismissal for 21 to an excellent diving catch at mid-on ended Croft's last hope of victory as they were bowled out for 132.

Top bowling honours went to Domines' Kevin Ingram with figures of seven for 52, a reward for a great display of swing bowling.