AVONCROFT were forced to settle for a losing draw, after coming under fire from Old Elizabethans Seconds’ Chris Pearman – who neared a century in an unbeaten spell at the crease.
After helping his side to a 210-7 total, the Croft fell short with 149-9 in reply, but saw out their innings to avoid an overall defeat in the Worcestershire County League Division Three clash.
An ever-present during the entirety of OE’s 45 overs, Pearman (96no) opened the innings for the hosts, but had to wait until the introduction of number three Alex Wheeler (27) to be provided any meaningful support.
Middle order batsman Josh Nott (40) went one better with the talisman, until being caught by Daniel Elliott off Craig Hughes’ delivery.
Jonathan Hunter (3-53) took wickets sporadically throughout the innings, helping limit the Elizabethans score somewhat.
Avoncroft’s response looked promising when opener Josh Cound (52) totted up a half-century, but his teammates failed to generate the adequate support that was required to threaten.
Only Elliott (12), Ben Warwick (13) and Mark Whitehead (11) reached double figures for the Croft, with 22 extras accounting for the second-highest source of runs for the visitors.
A home game against tenth-placed Stourbridge Seconds now awaits on Saturday (1pm).
