AVONCROFT came agonisingly close to claiming their first victory in almost a month as visitors Ross on Wye clung on for a draw.
An unbeaten 66 from John Bird helped set Ross a target of 250 which they did not look like chasing after losing four early wickets.
After eventually seeing off Ross’ middle order, Avoncroft needed just one wicket for victory, but the away side held firm to see out the remaining balls.
Croft headed into the encounter on the back of four successive defeats in Division Three and this match appeared to be heading for another loss. Ben Warwick and Craig Hughes fell for ducks as their side’s top order stumbled to leave Croft on 28-4.
But their innings was saved thanks to a brave fifth-wicket stand between Will Sach (43) and Alex Brunt (39) and a battling performance from Bird.
Daniel Elliott also chipped in with a handy 38 as the home side clawed themselves to 250 despite the best efforts of Harry Porter who helped himself to four wickets.
Like Croft, Ross struggled to get off the mark as they found themselves on 21-4. The middle order also looked like coming to their rescue as Graham Howls made 60 and Porter hit 45.
The hosts refused to let the game slip away, though, as Paul Athey took three wickets and James Bunn clinched a brace, but they had to settle with a winning day as Ross held on.
