AVONCROFT CC First XI made it three wins in four games with a crushing eight-wicket victory at home to Old Halesonians.

The visitors opened the batting in the Worcestershire County League division four encounter and started well with Lawson looking in good form.

Croft, up to fourth in the table, found wickets hard to come by but some tight bowling kept Old Halesonians down to 59-1 from the first 20 overs.

After the break, the visitors began to take the attack to Croft with Lawson and Bull playing in a far more aggressive manner.

The introduction of Spencer George was instrumental in slowing the attack down and it was his dismissal of Lawson for 66 that turned the innings around.

Paul Athey returned to remove Bull for 37 but it was 16-year-old George (3-36) who took the plaudits.

He produced his best spell for the First XI as Croft held Old Halesonians to 193-6.

In reply, Jukes and Townsend looked in ominous form as they took control from the outset of their innings.

Jukes went first, caught at square leg for 22, but the home side never really looked in trouble.

Townsend was joined by the in-form David James and the two set about racing each other to their half centuries.

Townsend got there first, thanks to his exemplary shot selection, and he was shortly followed by James, who was powering his way to another good score.

When Townsend was eventually dismissed for 56, James (80 not out) took over, smashing 18 off one over to finish the game.

Croft reached their target with over 20 overs remaining.