IN a match that saw an amazing 622 runs, Avoncroft First XI's Worcestershire County League Division Four home match with Old Vigornians finally ended in a draw.

Vigornians had no hesitation in batting first and set the tempo for the day from the first ball.

Phil O'Neill and John Gilgrass quickly set about the bowling with gusto and their opening stand produced 256 scintillating runs before Gilgrass was dismissed just two short of what would have been a well-deserved century.

O'Neill continued to put the bowling to the sword before he succumbed on the boundary for 144, having also scored a century in the corresponding fixture last season.

All the bowlers suffered as they failed to find their line and length, although David James took two wickets off consecutive deliveries. The hapless Ian Richardson was dismissed first ball, having sat through the batting festivities with his pads on.

Vigornians captain Phil Mackie, concerned to leave too many overs for 'Croft, finally declared with ten overs remaining on a mammoth 319 for five.

The loss of an early wicket failed to dent 'Croft, as they also found the wicket to their liking.

Exacting revenge on the Vigornians bowlers, Jon Bird and David James enjoyed themselves with 106 for the second wicket in just 17 overs.

Dismissed

When James was dismissed on the boundary for 69, Bird took up the initiative before being bowled by a persistent Gilgrass. With overs to spare, Craig Southwick (44) and Chris Townsend (35) pulled the game back towards 'Croft with a stand of 68 as they closed in on an unlikely victory target.

It was the return of Mackie, the most successful bowler of the day with 3 for 69, who dragged the match back towards Vigornians.

With nine men down 'Croft reluctantly closed up shop to thwart their opponents and gain what was a creditable draw.

There was much to discuss over the post match drinks after such an amazing game, while 'Croft will rarely bat second, score 303 and still not win.