Cricket
Droitwich make the perfect start

DROITWICH CC got the new Worcestershire League Division One campaign off to a flying start with a seven-wicket victory at Worcester on Saturday.

Taking to the field under the leadership of new captain Martyn Davies, Spa bowled first on a damp pitch after winning the toss and soon made early inroads through Mike Rogers and Karl Goddard.

The introduction of new recruit Adam Crowle (2-42) further strengthened Spa's grip on the game as the hosts crumbled to 61-5.

However, a rain break stopped Spa's momentum and Dan Mckay (67no) and Liam Kelleher (26) put on 77 well constructed runs once play resumed as Worcester finished on a respectable 186-9.

For Spa, Rogers finished with four wickets and veteran Goddard bowled 17 overs straight off, conceding just three runs per over. Maxwell Young also picked up two wickets with a controlled spell at the end of the innings.

Due to the rain interruptions, Spa had 44 overs to bat and led by a breezy 19 from Davies, they got off to a fluent start.

Stuart Bryan with 71 and Jerome Connor (67no) batted with ease against a ragged bowling attack, who consistently failed to find the right length to bowl. Only Liam Weston and Jack Horton bowled with any control.

The difference between the two sides can be illustrated by Worcester scoring just ten boundaries in 50 overs and Spa 21 in 40 overs.

Ian Cottrill (16no) hit the winning boundary with four overs left as Droitwich claimed 20 points.

Spa travel to Oldswinford on Saturday and an already strong looking squad of players will be further strengthened by the arrival of Australian all-rounder David Lane.

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