AVONCROFT returned to winning ways courtesy of half-centuries from Josh Cound and Jonty Heslop, in a 42-run defeat of Kempsey.
The duo helped the visitors reach a 269 total, followed by an efficient bowling effort by the likes of Daniel Elliott (3-39) – who helped skittle out the opposition for 227.
A stand of 31 between Elliott (9) and Cound (58) opened the innings, before the latter stepped up a gear to hit partnerships of 73 with Anthony Ogley (33) and 47 with Mark Whitehead (39).
Cound was dismissed at 151-3 by Kempsey bowler Simon Durrell (4-33), which preceded a middle order collapse for The Croft.
Ben Warwick (5), Whitehead and Andrew Apperley (0) all fell in the space of three overs as Avoncroft slipped to 165-6, although the introduction of number eight Heslop (54) revived the innings.
Heslop formed a partnership of 38 with Kevin Prudoe (18) before the seventh wicket, followed by smaller totals alongside tailenders Matthew Palmer (6) and Paul Athey (2).
Another partnership of 38 was reached alongside Jonathan Hunter (13) prior to Heslop’s dismissal in the final over to end Avoncroft’s innings.
With a solid total to defend, Croft’s bowlers then made a blistering start by reducing Kempsey to 22-4, thanks to three wickets from Elliott and a dismissal from Hunter.
Chris Jones’ (106) introduction at number five was a turning point for the hosts, as he hit 48 with Will Colson (12), followed by partnerships of 41, 40 and 60 with Adam Baker (24), Benjamin Ware (11) and Charlie Burton (21) respectively.
Jones was eventually dismissed at 211-8 shortly after reaching his century, but had to watch as Burton and Benjamin Glass (2) fell cheaply to condemn the hosts to defeat.
Victory ensures that The Croft leapfrog Kempsey into seventh in Worcestershire County League Division Three, ahead of visiting Old Vigornians on Saturday (1pm).
