Friendly loss for Croft

1:32pm Monday 21st April 2008

AVONCROFT blew away the cobwebs with a friendly against Lye on Saturday, but it wasn't just the weather than was a bit damp and dreary.

In horrible conditions, Croft looked rusty as they allowed visitors Lye to rack up 191-7 in their 40 overs, then stumbled to 122 all out in reply.

Lye's innings was built around an unbeaten knock of 121 from opener Langford who, having been dropped on 10, was the only batsmen from either side to fully master the wet wicket.

Will Sach was the pick of the Croft bowlers, taking 2-19 from his eight overs, with Jon Bird, Dave James, Adam Rodway and John Raxster also chipping in with wickets.

Most bowlers took time to hit the spot, but the game still gave some much needed preparation ahead of this Saturday's Crusader Worcestershire League Division Two league clash with Bewdley.

The visitors' total was well above par in the tricky situations, and Croft struggled to mount a determined challenge.

Jon Bird ground out a hard-fought 24, but it wasn't unitl Mark Whitehead came to the wicket that anyone really managed to take the attack to the Lye bowlers.

Whitehead, who managed to take his form in the practice nets out onto the field, hit several powerful drives in a last-wicket partnership of 45 with John Raxster (7no).

He was eventually dismissed for 40 in his attempt to chase down the target, but looks in good touch as Croft prepare for the challenge of Division Two, following last season's promotion.

Avoncroft are still on the lookout for players to bolster their squad.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Paul Athey on 01527 559247, or check out their website at www.avoncroftcc.co.uk.

EDITORS CHOICE