AVONCROFT came from behind to snatch an unlikely victory against Worcester Nomads B in Division One of the Worcestershire Cricket Board Indoor League.
With the exception of Derek Austin (25 no) who retired during the fifth over, Nomads’ start looked below par.
Nomads were 49-0 at the halfway stage and with wickets in hand they were expected to accelerate but it failed to materialise.
This was due in part to some committed Avoncroft fielding.
Joe Laugher (16), Ben Wittenbury (18) and Andy Leach (19 no) all struggled to find some rhythm while Nick Jones (13) looked in touch before missing a quick straight one from Paul Athey.
Nomads’ below average total of 101-4 suggested Avoncroft might have an easy passage towards victory though.
But, as a result of smart fielding, they were 2-2 at the end of the first over with both openers dismissed through run-outs.
The first ball of the fourth over and another run-out reduced Avoncroft’s innings to 30-3 leaving their chances of victory looking slim.
Dak Elliot (36 no) and Adam Rodway (23) then produced a slow recovery to 59 before the latter was ran out.
However, Athey (19 no) came to the rescue of Avoncroft and added impetus which infected Elliot and in three overs they brought the total to within seven runs of victory – taking 38 from Leach’s overs in the process.
Avoncroft eventually went on to snatch the win with three balls to spare with their score of 102-4.
*Avoncroft are looking for new players for the upcoming Worcestershire County League Division Three season.
The club begin their campaign on Saturday, April 15 and anyone interested should attend the winter net sessions at South Bromsgrove High School on Tuesday from 7pm.
