AVONCROFT skipper Craig Hughes was pleased with how his side returned to winning ways after claiming a two-wicket victory over Netherton in Division Three of the Worcestershire County League.
Following their crushing 40-run defeat to Rushwick the weekend before, Hughes’ side bounced-back in style as they successful chased down Netherton’s score of 184-9 inside 45 overs on Saturday.
Netherton got off to the worst possible start as they were reduced to 8-4 before Mark Buttery (16) and opening batsman Russell Oseland (58 no) pushed the score up along.
After being reduced to 86-7, Netherton recovered to post a score of 184-9 from 50 overs with the help of some assured batting from Dominic Priest (32 no) and Hamza Khan (21).
Jonathan Hunter starred with the ball, taking five wickets for 23 runs from his ten overs which included three maidens.
After David James (46) guided Avoncroft to 68-2, the home side slumped to 94-5 following the fast dismissals of Will Sach (19), Hughes (6) and Joe Ingle (5).
Alex Brunt steadied the ship for Avoncroft as his assured 61, which included six fours and five sixes, pushed the score over the 150 mark before Sam Hughes ensured the home side reached 187-8 after 44 overs to claim victory.
Captain Hughes said: “It was a very good win for us and having a practically full strength squad was a massive bonus for us and it made all the difference.
“Jonathan bowled really well for us and then Sam has pushed us towards the winning line so overall I’m pleased with the result.
“The middle of the league is tightly packed and I’m happy with where we are at the moment but I’d like to try and push a little higher up the table.”
Avoncroft will be looking to make it back-to-back wins on Saturday as they travel to Barnards Green Thirds but Hughes is without bowler Sean Jenkins and batsman Will Sach while Tom Murray is back in the line-up.
“Hopefully if we can put on another good performance we can get the win and we know when we’re at our best there’s not a side in this league which can worry us,” Hughes added.
