Lye 217 all out Avoncroft 160-6 all out

Avoncroft lost by 57 runs

AVONCROFT were unable to build on a strong start with the ball as the team slipped to defeat at the hands of Lye in the Worcester League Division Two on Saturday.

Strong bowling by 'Croft had left their Black Country rivals on 59-6 but strong batting performances by David Meehan and captain Craig Whitehouse inspired a fight back.

'Croft captain Paul Athey and Dave James shared early wickets and reduced Lye to 59-6 but Meehan (86 not out) and Whitehouse (87) guided Lye to 217 all out.

James was the pick of 'Croft's bowlers, taking (5-61), while Athey took four wickets for 59 runs.

'Croft's top order batsmen were removed by Asif Iqbal and Darren Hall until a 60 run stand by Dave Apperley and James slowed the Black Country side's progress.

However, James was dismissed by Iqbal for 41 runs and a flurry of late wickets left Adam Rodway and Apperley to bat out the last six overs and grab a draw.

But luck ran out when Rodway was bowled by Iqbal with the game's final delivery to leave Avoncroft on 160-6.

Apperley top scored on 51 not out. Avoncroft go to Hagley this Saturday (1.30pm start).