A DISMAL batting display condemned Avoncroft to yet another defeat in their clash with local rivals Cutnall Green in the Worcestershire County League Division Four.

Saturday's loss means the home side have much hard work ahead of them if they are to avoid the drop.

Openers Chris Townsend (12) and Pete Jukes (23) made a promising start but the innings subsided to 92 all out.

John Bird was the only other batsman to get into double figures with a responsible innings of 26.

Neil Evans was the chief tormentor with a fine spell of swing bowling.

He took 7-47 as five 'Croft batsmen failed to trouble the scorer.

In reply, big-hitting Neil Fletcher looked in prime form for Cutnall Green after his mammoth innings of 167 last week against Stoke Works.

The homesters faced an uphill task but Paul Athey again showed why he is considered one of the best in the division by bowling Fletcher with a superb delivery.

It found just enough movement to beat the bat and hit the stumps.

A belligerent innings of 34 from Matthew Evans proved decisive as he led the way for Cutnall Green with two big sixes.

Nigel Jukes, in his first game for nearly two years, found some late swing and took two wickets in successive balls.

But the poor batting display gave 'Croft little chance of victory as the visitors eased home by five wickets.

Defending league champions Green stay in sixth place after four of the teams above them won.