Cricket
Spa storm clear in race for title

DROITWICH moved ten points clear at the top of Worcestershire League Division One following a winning draw against Colwall at St Peters Fields on Saturday.

In glorious sunshine, Spa skipper Mike Rogers chose to bat first in perfect conditions but, once again, he was let down by the top order as the home side stumbled to 106 for 6.

Jerome Connor had threatened a big score with 34 but when he and last weeks batting hero Paul Bryan fell in consecutive balls it appeared Droitwich had squandered the chance for a competitive score.

However, Ian Cottrill with a fluent 53 and skipper Rogers with a responsible 37no brought the home side back into the match.

And an excellent ninth wicket partnership of 43 between Rogers and Karl Goddard (21) saw Spa close on a respectable 201 for 9.

Given the new ball for the first time this season, Matthew Briggs took up the challenge in fine style to pick up three early wickets to leave Colwall reeling on 14 for 3.

Skipper Head batted well for 44 but when he became Bryan’s fifth victim behind the stumps, Spa appeared set for victory with Colwall at 98 for 7.

Newby had other ideas though and clubbed a rapid 41 to give Colwall a scent of victory.

His dismissal by the pacy Rogers came too late for Droitwich to force victory and Colwall closed on 174 for 8.

Droitwich travel to Pershore this Saturday.

BELBROUGHTON cruised to a convincing eight wicket Worcestershire League Division Two victory over Romsley & Hunnington on Saturday.

The visitors, who elected to bat, collapsed in the face of some fine bowling from Christopher Amundsen 4-45, David King 3-37 and Tom Oliver 2-12.

It required significant contributions from lower order batsmen Michael Harrison (35), Tom Cunningham (32) and Ahsan King 19 to reach 142.

Belbroughton experienced no problems in racing to 143 for 2 in 24.4 overs through Olly Hawker 50no, Mat Spells 26, Geoff Day 15 and William Pardoe 36no.

Struggling CHADDESLEY CORBETT remain in the Division Three relegation zone after crashing to a heavy 213 run defeat at Birlingham.

The hosts rattled up an impressive total of 339 for 5 with Robin Drake 102 and Alan Keylock 92 top scoring, while Chris Mole 3-83 was the most successful bowler.

Chaddesley were then skittled out for 126 with Matthew Yardley 36, Grant Bishop 19 and Mole 14 the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Leaders AVONCROFT strengthened their grip at the top of Division Four following a three wicket success over Bromsgrove 3rds.

Paul Husbands 59 and Albi Vernon 20 top scored as Bromsgrove were dismissed for 171 with David Charlton 4-41 and Paul Athey 4-27 doing the damage.

Avoncroft reached 173 for 7 with Jon Bird 63no, David James 38 and Charlton 21 leading the way despite the efforts of Paul Hutchins 3-24 and Chris Burford 2-32.

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