Avoncroft 240-7 Coombs Wood 241-9

Avoncroft lost by just one wicket

AVONCROFT suffered an agonising defeat as the team's relegation woes increased in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday.

Croft had recorded 240 and good bowling by captain Paul Athey had given the team a strong chance of victory.

However, promotion chasing Coombs Wood stole victory in the final over when Andy Bryan's four off the penultimate ball condemned Avoncroft to defeat.

Defeat left 'Croft stuck second from bottom, just 14 points ahead of basement boys Kidderminster.

'Croft started strongly with the bat with opener Andy Nicol (33) in good form.

Alex Groucott (36), Dave James (48) and Dave Apperley (30) chipped in before Jon Bird started swinging the bat ferociously.

Bird hit the first three balls of Carl Whyte's innings for six as he blazed his way to 41 and 240-7.

'Croft made a strong start with the ball as Athey dismissed opener Dave Saundry, while James had Maurice Whyte dismissed in the second over.

When Athey and James combined for the third wicket Coombs Wood were reduced to 0-3. However, Mark Colwell (37) and Matthew Craig (83) and Whyte (61) sparked a Coombs Wood fight back.

'Croft's opponents needed nine runs with one wicket remaining but Andy Bryan smashed two fours to make sure of victory for his side.