DROITWICH’S Worcestershire League Division One survival battle is going down to the wire after defeat in their penultimate fixture.
A 44-run loss against Pedmore means that Spa are one of four teams that could slip into the final relegation berth this weekend, but at least their destiny remains in their own hands.
Eleven points clear of the drop zone, Droitwich travel to fellow relegation candidates Redditch knowing that a positive result will secure their status.
They certainly do not want to have to rely on undefeated champions Worcester beating Bromyard, who currently occupy the remaining drop spot at present.
On Saturday Droitwich slipped to their ninth defeat of the season despite the best efforts of Max Young, who claimed four wickets as Pedmore mustered 246-9 in their 50 overs.
He then scored an unbeaten 74 not out, with Kris Corbett notching 57, as the home side fell 44 runs short.
In the reverse fixture, Droitwich 2nds secured a comfortable 63-run victory at Pedmore but it could not help them avoid relegation. James Gibson hit an unbeaten 83 and Martin Keen 61 as Spa amassed 273-4, with Martin Woodward then grabbing 4-37 as Pedmore were shot out for 210.
SIMON Holliday’s 25-year tenure as captain ended in style as he guided Droitwich 2nds to victory in his final game at the helm.
Spa defeated Barnards Green by seven wickets in their last Worcestershire Sunday League fixture, with ‘Ollie’ using his bowlers to great effect as the visitors were dismissed for 143 in the face of an energetic fielding display.
A steady reply saw Droitwich win with three overs to spare as Ash Bath (33), Scott Fenn (29) and Leon Payne (25 not out) provided the runs.
Droitwich’s Sunday 1sts also ended their season with a win following a nail-biter at Feckenham. Spa chased down the home side’s 244 off the final ball, with Martyn Davies playing a starring role with ball and particularly bat, with which he smashed the 18 needed off the last over of the game.
Young Ollie Sankey’s running between the wicket in the final over was also paramount and followed his excellent earlier bowling spell of 3-22.
