Astwood Bank 237-6 Droitwich 238-5

Droitwich won by five wickets

DROITWICH continue to edge towards safety in the Worcester League Division One after a comprehensive victory over Astwood Bank on Saturday.

The win propels Spa away from the bottom two to leave them eighth in the table and 37 points ahead of second from bottom Stourbridge.

Spa lost the toss and saw their Redditch based rivals decide to bat first.

Damon Gariff (4-85) ended Andy Clayton's steady innings, when he hit 26 off 62 balls.

But Jagielski proved to be a thorn in Droitwich's side - reaching 114 off 129 balls.

Around him the wickets fell regularly, with Gariff dismissing Dan Evans (37) and Andy Robinson (37).

Richard Ferley ran out Andy Alexander and Sam Churchley was caught by Phil Thomas off Gariff, as Astwood made 237 in 50 overs.

Opener Paul Bryan hit a patient 47 off 122 balls, while at the other end of the wicket Gary Cartwright smashed 41 runs off 49 balls, before Paul Boycott dismissed him.

Gariff capped a fine all round performance to make 36, before Freeman removed him.

Josh Staines made seven before Robinson stumped him, but Jerome Connor's quickfire 33 got Droitwich back on track.

Captain Steve Walsh then notched up an impressive 39 off 40 balls as Spa cruised to 238 in the 50th over.

Droitwich continue their relegation battle over the Bank Holiday weekend when they go to fellow strugglers Bewdley on Saturday, August 27.

Spa then entertain mid-table side Alvechurch and Hopwood at St Peter's Field on Bank Holiday Monday (both matches 1pm start).