DROITWICH Spa CC firsts started their Worcestershire League Division One campaign in impressive fashion with a comfortable seven-wicket win at Worcester.

Under new captain Martyn Davies, Spa bowled first on a damp pitch and soon made early in-roads through Mike Rogers and Karl Goddard.

The introduction of new recruit Adam Crowle (2-42) further strengthened Spa’s grip on the game as the hosts crumbled to 61-5.

However, a rain break stopped Droitwich’s momentum and Dan Mckay (67 not out) and Liam Kelleher (26) put on well-constructed 77-run partnership as Worcester finished on a respectable 186-9.

For Spa, Rogers finished with four wickets and veteran Goddard bowled 17 consecutive overs conceding only 51 runs.

Maxwell Young also picked up two wickets with a controlled spell at the end of the innings.

Due to the rain interruptions, Spa had 44 overs to bat and led by a breezy 19 from Davies, got off to a fluent start.

Stuart Bryan with 71 and Jerome Connor (67 not out) batted with ease against a ragged bowling attack, who consistently failed to find the right length, with only Liam Weston and Jack Horton bowling with any control.

The difference between the two sides was illustrated by Worcester only scoring 10 boundaries in 50 overs to Spa’s 21 in 40 overs.

Ian Cottrill (16 not out) hit the winning boundary with four overs left as Droitwich claimed 20 points.

Spa travel to Oldswinford on Saturday (1pm start) and an already strong looking squad of players will be further strengthened by the arrival of Australian all-rounder David Lane.

In Division Three, Chaddesley Corbett’s match at Kiddeminster was abandoned without a ball being bowled in anger because of rain.

Corbett entertain Malvern at home on Saturday (1pm start).