Avoncroft 197 all out Coombs Wood 198-3

Avoncroft lost by seven wickets

AVONCROFT fell to a seven wicket loss at the hands of big hitting Coombs Wood to dent the team's survival chances in the Worcestershire League Division Two on Saturday.

Defeat, Croft's fourth of the season, saw the newly promoted side slip to third from bottom and dangerously only 15 points ahead of bottom side Kidderminster Victoria.

'Croft had bowled solidly but their Halesowen based opponents were inspired by batsmen James Burgoyne and Dave Saundry, who in the end guided their side comfortably past the target which had been set for victory.

Batting first Avoncroft batted with discipline against Coombs Wood's tight bowling. Spencer Cox was Avoncroft's leading light with the willow as he top scored with 53 runs.

The rest of 'Croft's order threatened big scores but settled for double figures, as Nick Passant, Dave James, Jon Bird and Matt Hare surpassed the 20 run mark.

However, with New Zealander Mark Craig in good form 'Croft were restricted to 198-3.

With a slender total to defend 'Croft had to take early wickets. Captain Paul Athey gave his side hope when he removed Maurice Whyte for a duck and then dismissed Craig for just 15.

However, Coombs Wood's pairing of Burgyone and Saundry began to turn the tide in the home side's favour. Tight bowling by Athey and James kept the run rate at bay and Coombs Wood needed an average of five runs from the last 15 overs.

But the duo stepped up a gear and started to reach the necessary run rate for victory. Despite James dismissing Saundry, Burgoyne's 92 not out condemned 'Croft to defeat.