Droitwich 261-6 Chaddesley Corbett 188 all out

Droitwich won by 73 runs

ANDY Van Vuuren made an impressive return to first team action after a two year absence to help Droitwich inflict a heavy defeat on Chaddesley Corbett in the Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday.

Van Vuuren, who was a key member of the squad that finished runners-up in Division One in 2004, top scored with 61 runs and took two wickets in a fine all round display.

Victory also moved Spa up to fourth and ignited hopes of finishing in the top three this season.

Droitwich were put into bat by Chaddesley and lost two early wickets. Damon Gariff (62) and Josh Staines (41) got Spa back on track and guided the team to 130, before they fell in consecutive overs.

Despite the set back Van Vuuren, who was backed up by Richard Ferley (31) and captain Paul Bryan, made sure Spa recorded 261-6 in 50 overs. Mike Rogers took two early wickets to leave Chaddesley on the back foot but Mark Edwards and Ian Chambers, who was nursing an injury, defied the bowlers.

Van Vuuren once again made the difference as his extra bounce took two wickets to ensure Corbett slumped to 91-6 in 25 overs.

Spinner Gareth Thomas, who took 4-46, made sure that Chaddesley were unable to hit back with a late rally.

George Bayliss top scored with 72 runs for Chaddesley, but once he was dismissed his side were bowled out for 188.