DROITWICH lived up to their billing as one of the Crusader Worcestershire League Division One title favourites with an excellent two-wicket win over Redditch.

Hotly-fancied Redditch, who were relegated from Birmingham League Division Three last season, are many people's tips to bounce back up at the first time of asking, but the St Peter's Fields side held their nerve to claim a narrow verdict.

Having beaten Pershore on the opening weekend of the season, Droitwich look in fine form and the victory at Redditch has been picked out for our Team of the Week award.

The club will be presented with a box of six Fearnley cricket balls, worth £90.

The home side batted first but were restricted to 207-9, thanks mainly to the tight bowling of Mike Rogers who returned figures of 4-45.

Half-centuries from Gary Cartwright, who made 59, and vice-captain Steve Walsh (58) put Droitwich well on their way to victory.

However, a middle-order wobble meant it was up to the tail-enders to see the Spa team through to 210-8.

Club secretary Mike Wallis was delighted with the result. He said: "It was a pretty tight game, but the lower order batted well and got us to our target.

"We are very pleased to have got the victory and made it two wins out of two so far this season. They were two evenly-balanced sides and I think this gives a good indication of how good Droitwich are."

Four teams still have a 100 per cent record in Division One and Droitwich, who have amassed 40 points from their opening two matches, are currently tied for second with Brockhampton and Worcester Nomads.

Bromyard, who have netted 44 points, are the early leaders.