Avoncroft 221 all out

Lye 130-9 Avoncroft obtained a

losing draw

AVONCROFT enhanced their own slight title chances and ate into the lead of Worcester League Division Three leaders Lye on Saturday.

The draw saw 'Croft leap above Feckenham, who lost to Oldswinford, and close the gap between themselves and the leaders to 31 points.

'Croft had more than matched the division's pacesetters, despite getting off to a slow start with the bat.

Richard Sinclair (17) provided stubborn resistance as 'Croft collapsed to 56-4.

However, Dave Apperley (42) turned the game on its head when he and Mark Whitehead (94) built a fifth wicket stand of 94 runs as Avoncroft rallied to 221 all out.

Bowlers Paul Athey and Dave James then set about Lye with some fine bowling, reducing them to 28-3.

Nick Riley and Jon Crowther continued to trouble Lye's order with tight spells.

Two late wickets by James gave 'Croft a chance at victory, but the final batsman play the final two balls and deny 'Croft a vital win.

Croft will be aiming to produce the same kind of form which restricted Lye when they take on bottom side Stourbridge away on Saturday (1.30pm start).

Despite unbeaten Lye's healthy lead at the top of the table there are still six games to for Avoncroft to catch them.

Captain Paul Athey's side tackle the division's basement boys the table-toppers take on bottom half of the table Enville at home on Saturday.

The leaders have to face in-form Feckenham and Oldwinsford as the title chase hots up, with 'Croft having the easier run in.