AVONCROFT managed to hang on and claim a losing draw at Netherton in Worcestershire County League Division Three last Saturday.
Netherton were put into bat after losing the toss and posted a competitive 274-8 from their 50 overs.
Troy Lee (67) and Paul Harris (61) were the big hitters for the hosts while Hassan Shah fell just two runs short of his half century.
Paul Athey (2-51) and Craig Hughes (2-87) were the chief wicket-takers for Croft who posted 134-7 in reply.
After 12 overs, the chance of victory had all but evaporated as opposing skipper Danny Lowe picked up three quick wickets, leaving Croft languishing on 34-3.
Josh Cound and Sam Hughes (18) started to rebuild the innings but with Croft falling further behind the run rate, their focus switched to holding on for the draw.
Jonty Heslop (12) and Paul Athey (four not out) played useful supporting roles but it was Cound’s mature innings which held everything together.
Cound batted for 40 overs for his 41 not out, enabling Croft to hold on for a useful, if largely unsatisfying, losing draw.
Avoncroft entertain Malvern tomorrow (Saturday) at Hanbury Road.
