AVONCROFT CC First XI's failure to capitalise on a good opening partnership contributed to their five-wicket defeat at home to Coombs Wood.

Pete Jukes (45) and Richard Sinclair (39) started well against one of the best bowling attacks in the league and put on 83.

But the innings subsided to 131 for nine off their 45 allotted overs in this Worcestershire County League Division Four game on Saturday.

Only one other batsman reached double figures as Andy Bryan and Alan Jones kept the pressure on Croft.

Defending such a modest target, the visitors were always up against it but they stuck to their task admirably and took five good wickets.

In gathering gloom the Coombs Wood batsmen made certain of victory with Dave Saundry (62 not out) leading the way.