AVONCROFT CC's First XI remain without a win after their losing draw away to a combative Highley side in the Worcestershire County League Division Four on Saturday.

On a glorious afternoon, Croft chose to field first, confident of overhauling a target on what proved to be a good pitch.

Failing to make an early breakthrough, Humpheries and Steel posted 111 for the first wicket before a Zafar Iqbal special deceived the former.

With the bowlers sticking to their task admirably, only Stu Humpheries with 36 threatened to take the game away from Croft.

When he was dismissed by a Pete Jukes swinger, the momentum was lost as Highley finished on a gettable 221 for six.

Iqbal, with a marathon spell, was the pick of the bowlers. Jukes chipped in with two for 15.

In reply, Croft lost the prolific David James in the second over.

But Jukes produced a devastating onslaught in a virtuoso performance.

With Croft's 100 coming in 16 overs, they looked in complete control until Jukes was caught for 71.

His blockbusting innings contained four mammoth sixes and nine fours - the adjacent properties were fortunate to escape damage.

Jon Bird then began to dominate the bowling. His innings of 63 was blessed with a mixture of sweet cover drives, well run singles and lusty blows.

His dismissal signaled the end of Croft's chance of victory as eight of the remaining batsmen failed to get into double figures.

It was left to Bob Irish (12 not out) and Luke Townsend -- with a fighting nought not out off 30 deliveries -- to bat out for a draw as the visitors reached 184 for nine.