Droitwich Spa 226-9 Bewdley 229-3

Droitwich lose by six wickets

DROITWICH'S worst start to the Worcestershire League Division One in the club's history continued as fellow strugglers Bewdley eased past them on Saturday.

Spa, who were expected to be in the title running this season, are being sucked into a relegation battle after losing their third game of the season.

Captain Steve Walsh lost the toss and his side was put into bat on a well-kept track at St Peter's Field.

However, Gary Cartwright and Paul Bryan were dismissed early on as Spa slumped to 25-2 by the seventh over.

Jerome Connor (64) and Australian Josh Staines (66) then set about getting their side out of trouble.

By the time the duo was removed Droitwich had regained control and were on 141-4 in the 35th over.

Once again Spa could not capitalise on a strong position and Ian Cottrill (6) was cheaply dismissed.

Richard Ferley was bowled out after five balls, as Droitwich collapsed to 160-6 by the 27th over.

Captain Steve Walsh (35) and Mike Rogers (13) tried to end the collapse, before Gareth Thomas (9) added some late runs.

Wasted

Droitwich wasted an early breakthrough when Boden was dropped.

Bewdley's opening pair then punished the mistake, before Connor caught Boult (66) off Thomas' delivery.

Two more dropped catches put Spa in trouble, before Thomas dismissed Boden to Bewdley on 136-2.

Mike Rogers dismissed Mauger, but Smith (52) punished his wayward bowling to condemn Droitwich to a crushing defeat.