AVONCROFT once again fell short with the bat as they suffered a four-wicket defeat to Netherton in Worcestershire County League Division Three.
Mark Whitehead’s side were put into bat and a steady start was produced with Matt Hare and Will Sach opening.
The pair put on 67 for the first wicket before Sach was removed for 20.
Sam Hughes then came in but was soon out for 11.
However, at the drinks break Avoncroft were in control at 96-2 with plenty of batting to come.
But any hopes of scoring more than 250 soon looked in trouble as the hosts slumped to 120-5.
Hare was dismissed for 60 having played some delightful cuts and drives.
Unfortunately the rest of the batting line-up failed to take charge of the game as Croft were all out for 203 in the 48th over.
In reply Netherton looked they might wobble at 116-5 but they eventually coasted to victory with four overs to spare as they reached 205-6 with the help of Simon Oseland’s unbeaten 65.
The defeat leaves Croft just 24 points above the drop zone ahead of the start of the second half of the campaign which begins tomorrow (Saturday) when Rushwick are the visitors.
