Droitwich 221-7

Brockhampton 161-9

Droitwich obtain a winning draw

DROITWICH regained second place in the Worcestershire League Division One, despite being frustrated by dogged Brockhampton on Saturday.

The draw was enough for Spa to leap frog Brockhampton and cut the gap between themselves and leaders Kington to 45 points.

Spa could have grabbed all the points in a rain hit match with a late flurry of wickets, but they were frustrated as Brockhampton's lower order held on.

Brockhampton won the toss and put Droitwich into bowl and Pakistan Abdur Rauf (6-65), who has an excellent record against Spa, continued to be the visitors' scourge.

Rauf dismissed Gary Cartwright (16), Alex Kolb (18) and Paul Bryan (0) but Josh Staines produced his best performance of the season by smashing 114 off 70 deliveries. The Australian's innings was so rapid that Spa had rallied to 150 in 22 overs.

Droitwich, who had been bowled out for 69 by Brockhampton in the team's previous encounter earlier in the season, continued to bat stubbornly, with Andy Van Vuuren (17) and Steve Walsh (23) grabbing some late runs as Spa made 221-7 in 36 overs.

Karl Goddard made an early breakthrough when Rauf was trapped lbw for one, while Van Vuuren dismissed Adam Hewlett for lbw for just four runs.

Van Vuuren kept Spa's momentum going by removing Ashley Nahorniak (0) and Tom Harper (10), but Pete Bailey (60) stopped Brockhampton's batting order from collapsing completely, before being caught and bowled by Damon Gariff.

Droitwich scented blood and wickets for Gariff and Goddard reduced Brockhampton to 161-9. Unfortunately time ran out for Droitwich to grab a crucial victory.

Spa will be aiming to cement second place and catch up with leaders Kington over the Bank Holiday weekend with two home games.

Mid-table Pershore to come St Peter's Field this Saturday, before Droitwich entertain struggling Barnards Green on Monday (both games 1pm start).

l Spa will also be hoping Kington slip up to Chaddesley Corbett and Brockhampton.