A DYNAMIC fielding display from Avoncroft CC First XI saw them kick-start their season with a 59-run victory at Tenbury.

Paul Athey's side lost the toss and were put in to bat last Saturday following a heavy shower just before the scheduled start.

Avoncroft's top order stuck manfully to the task despite the loss of an early wicket, with makeshift opener Mark Whitehead and Dave James keeping the scoreboard ticking.

The pair took the score to 86 before James hit a shot high into the air and was well caught for 42.

This signalled a traditional Avoncroft batting collapse as new batsmen failed to cope with the damp conditions. Five further wickets fell in quick succession, including that of Whitehead for a well-constructed 39. At 116-7 Croft looked in danger of setting their hosts a comfortable total.

Andy Pittam helped restore some order and along with useful contributions from Athey and Jimmy Deakin, Pittam (24) helped steer the hosts to 157-9.

In reply, Croft took advantage of helpful bowling conditions, something they have failed to do in their disappointing start to the season.

An aggressive spell of fast bowling from youngster Deakin, taking captain Athey's usual opening slot, was the catalyst for the performance with the 16-year-old taking 3-19 in six overs.

James also caused problems with his mixture of pace and flight accounting for two early wickets. Athey took over from Deakin and took a wicket in his first over to leave Tenbury reeling at 47-6.

Hunt and Ingram began to dig in as the hosts tried to salvage a draw. The pair lasted for seven overs before James (4-32) took Hunt (27) and the new batsman in successive balls.

Again Tenbury dug in but Spencer George managed to unlock the tail's resistance. The spinner came close two or three times to taking a well-deserved wicket before finally bowling Ingram for 16.

Athey (2-14) returned to take the final wicket thanks to a spectacular diving catch from wicketkeeper James Aldred.