Droitwich 275-8 Bromyard 224-6

Droitwich obtain a winning draw

SPA'S middle order batsmen got amongst the runs as Droitwich enhanced their chances of a top two finish in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday.

The draw saw Droitwich leap above Bromyard in Division One to fifth and cut the gap behind second placed Eastnor to 25 points.

Captain Paul Bryan won the toss and decided to bat first. Bromyard's bowlers though enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges as Spa lost Gary Cartwright (23), Jerome Connor (4) and the captain (4) cheaply.

Damon Gariff (54) and Australian Josh Staines (53) forged ahead with a one hundred run partnership.

Even when Gariff was dismissed by Pete Whittenbury, Richard Ferley's 53 made sure Droitwich were well on the way to posting 275-8. Droitwich's opponents started strongly with the bat as opener Ash Bullock hit a patient 60 runs. His fellow opener Oliver Bailey was caught by Karl Goddard off Gariff's ball.

Michael Rogers dismissed dangerman Zahid Saeed (35) as Spa's bowlers took control of the game.

Wicketkeeper Steve Walsh caught Bullock of Gariff's delivery and despite a quickly hit 55 by Owen Thomas, who was bowled by Goddard, Droitwich remained in control.

Adrian Field got rid of Whittenbury as Bromyard were kept to 224-6.