Avoncroft 207-9 Hagley 210-8

Avoncroft lost by two wickets

AVONCROFT slipped into a relegation dogfight in the Worcestershire League Division Two after being unable to capitalise on promising positions on Saturday.

Twice 'Croft put themselves in positions to win the match but on both occasions the team allowed Hagley to survive.

Batting first Avoncroft's openers took advantage of wayward Hagley bowling to start the match at a blistering pace. Andy Nicol (35) and Alex Groucott (59) steered their team to 48 in the fifth over.

However, the run rate dropped when Nicol was dismissed and it was left to Dave James (15) and Dave Apperley (34) to guide 'Croft to 149 in the 34th over.

But a disastrous period where 'Croft lost four wickets for just ten runs had them in trouble, before stubborn batting by Groucott steered his team to 207.

Opening bowlers Paul Athey and Dave James set about tearing into Hagley's batting order, reducing them to 66-5. But Lennon began Hagley's fight back and proved to be the inspiration, as his 92 not out guided his team to 210-8.

Athey (4-51) and James (3-84) were the best of Avoncroft's bowlers, while Nicol was unfortunate to finish on figures of 1-30 after several dropped catches.