AVONCROFT are now winless in four Worcestershire County League Division Three encounters following their crushing seven-wicket defeat at Ross-on-Wye on Saturday.
The visitors were put into bat after losing the toss but they never really got going as they were bowled out for a paltry 121 in the 43rd over.
Avoncroft’s leading batsman David James and skipper Craig Hughes top scored with 18 while Josh Cound (10), Paul Athey (11) and Anthony Pittam (17) notched up double figures.
Tim Dulson (4-37), Ben Lander (3-53) and James Tiffen (3-26) shared the wickets for a Ross outfit who cruised to victory after 26 overs.
Despite Athey (1-26) removing opener Angus McIntyre (7) with the score on 11, a strong 39-run partnership between Tim Dulson (30) and Jack Evans (42no) pushed the score to 50 for the second wicket.
After skipper Hughes (2-21) dismissed Dulson and Tiffen (30), Evans and Lander (10 no) ticked off the winning runs as Ross reached 125-3 to secure victory.
Avoncroft travel to third place Old Vigornians on Saturday looking to put an end to their recent poor run of form.
Avoncroft Seconds remain deep in trouble in Division Two Second XI despite claiming a winning draw at home to Oldswinford & Stourbridge Social Seconds.
The home side were put into bat after losing the toss but made good headway as Alex Brunt (69) and David Anson (65) guided the score to 236 all out in the 42nd over.
Despite Oldswinford opener Mark Spooner top scoring with 62, Avoncroft’s bowlers limited the visitors to 219-8 after 50 overs to claim the winning draw and 15 points.
Avoncroft remain 21 points adrift of safety with three games to go and face mid-table Droitwich Spa Seconds on Saturday.
