Avoncroft claim five-wicket victory over Bromsgrove Thirds - The Bromsgrove Standard

Avoncroft claim five-wicket victory over Bromsgrove Thirds

Bromsgrove Editorial 6th Jun, 2018 Updated: 6th Jun, 2018   0

AVONCROFT claimed their third Worcestershire County League Division Three victory of the campaign with a five-wicket success over Bromsgrove Thirds.

Croft skipper Jonathan Hunter lost the toss as the Boars elected to bat.

It was Hunter who took the first two wickets, dismissing Jacob Mathews (1) and Yogesh Malhotra (1) courtesy of smart catches from Steve Eastham and Josh Cound.

It was then the turn of Cound who proved his worth with the ball, removing David Collins (13) thanks to a superb one-handed catch from Eastham.




Cound continued an impressive spell to finish with 2-26 from his ten overs.

Dan Elliott (2-15) then took the next wicket, clean bowling Matt Stratford for a duck.


Elliott continued a fine display by dismissing Thomas Downing (11) who was caught close by Hunter.

The returning Craig Hughes replaced Elliot and he was soon causing problems for the lower order of the Bromsgrove side.

After a few lusty blows he picked up the stumping of Sam Johnson (24).

Hunter then returned to the attack following Cound’s impressive spell and soon mopped up the tail, thanks to a reaction catch from Elliott and a comfortable catch from Bird.

Hunter then clean bowled Nicholas Blackmore (0) to wrap up the innings dismissing Bromsgrove for 102 and claim a third successive five-wicket haul, finishing on 5-16.

Croft had 15 overs to bat before tea and it was an excellent start with Eastham taking 20 off Maxwell Smith’s first over.

However, fellow opening bowler Will Tuffin was not letting Croft cruise to victory as he quickly dismissed Elliott (0), Eastham (30), Hughes (0) and Cound (0) to leave the hosts struggling at 54-4.

It was the turn of keeper Tom Murray and big hitting David Anson to guide the Croft to tea.

This was a vital partnership in order to allow the side to settle down at tea and regroup.

However, soon after the break Anson was clean bowled by Freddie Falllows for just five.

This brought in youngster Jonty Heslop who earlier in the season had a match winning partnership with Murray (25 not out).

Again it was this pair which brought Croft over the victory line.

The composed Heslop (31no) showed maturity beyond his years, smashing four sixes and one four to bring the Croft home.

Croft travel to Five Ways Old Edwardians on Saturday.

Podcasts

Now, every week, you can also listen to a roundup of Bromsgrove & Droitwich Standard Local News

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Bromsgrove Standard newspaper

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates