Droitwich 228-9 Eastnor 229-7

Droitwich lost by

three wickets

DROITWICH missed a chance to grab a confidence boosting victory in a narrow defeat to Eastnor in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday. THAT'S ALL FOLKS: Phil Thomas's stumps are ripped from the ground on Saturday.

A Droitwich team, which was packed with inexperienced players because of the absence of six first team regulars, came close to getting their relegation battling side back on track.

Stand in captain Josh Staines (55) and Gary Cartwright (98) grabbed the runs.

However, Spa collapsed from 197-4 to 197-7, before Phil Thomas (25) and Martin Woodward held firm to steer their side to 228 in 55 overs.

Mike Rogers (4-58) was the pick of Droitwich's bowlers as Eastnor made a powerful start.

Rogers and Woodward struggled to contain Adeel, who steered his side to 52-0. Spinner Gareth Thomas was introduced to slow down the attack.

Karl Goddard made the breakthrough when he dismissed Adeel for 70, while Thomas removed Fortey (40) to boost Droitwch's chance of victory.

The re-introduction of Rogers also saw Eastnor lose some late wickets, but they still managed to surpass Droitwich's total with three overs to spare.

Droitwich will be hoping to have most of their first team back for Saturday's home match against leaders Ombersley (1.30pm start).