DROITWICH managed to hold out with only nine men at lowly Bromyard in Saturday’s league match, securing a losing draw and importantly depriving their relegation rivals of crucial points.

Fielding first in a rain-affected game, Spa had Bromyard on the ropes at 40-3 before home captain Ash Bullock and his nephew Ian formed a useful partnership that was boosted by some Droitwich misfortune.

Firstly, the game was stopped when Spa youngster Karl Thompson had to be taken to hospital after being taken ill.

Upon the restart, Paul Bryan then went over on his ankle and had to be carried off leaving Droitwich to field the remainder of the innings with only nine men on a small ground to defend.

Bromyard took full advantage — Bullock senior (100) in particular, who notched a ton as his side posted 250-7.

With Droitwich receiving 32 overs in reply a bright start was made by Martyn Davies and Jake Young, who put on 54 for the first wicket.

After the former was run out in disappointing fashion, Spa lost a flurry of wickets mid-innings to leave defeat a distinct possibility with only nine men to bat.

It was left to the last pair of Phil Thomas (32no) and Jack Sealey to see off the final 11 overs to secure the draw as Droitwich closed on 136-7.

Droitwich Seconds and Thirds were both thwarted by the weather in their home Saturday fixtures.

Late withdrawals certainly didn’t help Droitwich Seconds on Sunday as they were thumped by 145 runs at Stourbridge with only ten men.

The home side smashed 346 from 40 overs with opener Willetts helping himself to an unbeaten 142, thanks to some too frequent wayward bowling. However, 15-year-old Pete Lancashire did emerge with credit in an excellent eight-over spell that brought him two wickets.

Ash Bath (54) hit a half-century in Spa’s reply and shared a useful second-wicket stand with Scott Fenn (28).

The testing run-rate and some questionable LBW decisions eventually got the better of the visitors as they fell well short of their target despite the efforts of Tom Goss (33) and Simon Holliday (27).

Meanwhile, Worcestershire captain Darryl Mitchell will be officially unveiling Avoncroft’s extended pavilion on Friday night (7pm).

The pavilion has doubled in size and completely renovated inside.

There will also be an Under-14s versus dads’ match (6pm start) and barbecue.

Anyone who has been associated with the club is welcome to attend.

In the Worcestershire League Division Three, Croft edged Tenbury by one wicket. Bowler Paul Athey took a hat-trick.