IN Saturday's Worcestershire County League Division One fixture against Bromyard, Droitwich were put into bat on a slightly damp wicket, and found runs hard to come by on a seaming wicket.

Progress was slow until the introduction of the returning L P Bryan to the crease.

Along with skipper Ian Duggan and then first XI debutant, 17-year-old L Cartwright, Bryan accelerated the scoring up to 150.

Wickets fell at a steady rate until Woodward and Bevis held the innings together and a respectable 164 was posted.

Bromyard's reply got off to the worst possible start, losing a wicket in the first over to Cartwright.

Mike Gunston bowled a miserly spell, picking up four for 20 off 14 overs, and Bromyard were never really in with a chance of victory.

The tail held up despite a probing spell from Goddard and wicked turn from off spinning Bevis.

Bromyard held out at 111 for eight with Droitwich picking up 13 points for a winning draw.

This result pushes Droitwich up the table after a disastrous start to the season.

Two poor results at Kington and Lye were followed by a much better performance at Netherton, where the fielding was up to scratch for the first time this season.

Droitwich captain Ian Duggan has persevered well after a horrendous catalogue of injuries, illness and unavailability at the start of the season. This has slowly been whittled down and he can look forward to a near full strength team within several weeks.

On Sunday Droitwich First XI enjoyed an entertaining fixture at Barnards Green, in a 40 over game.

Spa made 183-6 (Paul Bryan 73 not out), Barnards Green being bowled out 20 runs short.

The fielding was outstanding, especially Alex Barber, whilst all the bowlers were steady.