DROITWICH’S unbeaten start to the season in continued – but only just – as they secured a winning draw against Bromyard to retain top spot in Division One of the Worcestershire County League.

Spa held their nerve as the visitors chased down 258 for victory but narrowly came up short as they failed to hit the six required from the final ball after needing 99 runs from the last 10 overs.

The home side’s total was built around a classy innings by veteran left-hander Paul Bryan, who crafted a delightful 73 and shared useful partnerships with captain Martyn Davies (48) and David Lane (43).

Cameo knocks by Max Young (33) and Connor Grant (25) boosted the score in the final overs.

Bromyard’s openers put on 58 for the first wicket before a stunning one-handed catch by Gary Cartwright applied the brakes and Droitwich then appeared to grab the initiative when former Sri Lankan Test player, Dilshan Fernando, was dismissed for 42.

However some big-hitting from the middle order created an exciting finish but neither side was able to grab the win.

Spa return home on Saturday to tackle struggling Burghill and Tillington (1pm start).

Some wayward bowling coupled with a tiny boundary saw Spa’s second team in the firing line in the reverse fixture, where Bromyard amassed 357-5 in their 50 overs. Openers Godsell (168) and Whittenbury (89) put on 216 for the first wicket in just 30 overs.

However, Droitwich rallied under the leadership of skipper Karl Goddard, who hit an unbeaten 73, and a score of 280-8 meant an extra two points were landed in the losing draw.

A quickfire 17 from youngster Jonny Keen pushed Spa past their run chase total and followed a second consecutive half-century for Carl Thomson.

Droitwich Thirds winning start to the season ended with an eight-wicket defeat at Bewdley, whilst despite innings of 91 from James King and 80 from Ash Fearnall, the Fourths were unable to defend a score of 283 against Evesham to lose by five wickets.