A SUCCESSION of dropped catches scarred an otherwise impressive performance by Avoncroft CC First XI as they claimed a comfortable winning draw at Harborne.

Croft's fielders failed to capitalise on six catching chances during the Worcestershire County League division four encounter as Harborne struggled to respond to the visitors' useful total.

Croft batted first on a wet wicket and started well with Chris Townsend and Rich Sinclair looking solid. They progressed smoothly to 58-1 before Sinclair was trapped leg-before for 33.

Townsend followed soon after but, with Harborne sensing their chance to get on top, Croft responded aggressively thanks to some destructive batting from Craig Southwick.

Southwick dominated the bowling before holding out just six runs short of a deserved half-century. With the innings back in the balance, Andy Pittam assumed the responsibility of guiding Croft to a respectable total.

A combination of intelligent stroke play and brute force allowed Pittam to continue his superb early season form, scoring 53 not out to help Croft post 223-8 from their 50 overs.

Harborne never looked like reaching their target, largely due to an almost unplayable spell of bowling from Paul Athey.

Athey finished his opening spell with figures of 2-7 from 15 overs but despite this, Croft were finding it tough to break the hosts down.

And Croft did not help themselves by dropping six catches, which in the end proved costly.

Despite a final onslaught by David James (2-33) and Athey (3-17), the hosts held on to finish on 145-6, leaving Avoncroft with fourteen points to show for their work.

The Seconds also endured a losing draw in the reverse fixture as Harborne posted 237-3.

Pete Whitehead (64) and Ian Carpenter (90 not out) replied with a partnership of 135.

But the middle order could not sustain the run rate and Croft settled for a losing draw.