A CENTURY for James Hancher on his return to the crease after missing the whole of the 2014 season and a ‘five-for’ for Spa’s first female player, Jaycie Foster, were the highlights of the weekend at Droitwich.

Hancher hit 103 as the seconds crushed high-flying Coombs Wood by 182 runs at St Peter’s Field, where youngster Ash Fearnall starred with both bat and ball – blazing 75 as the home side amassed 301-9 and then grabbing 4-26.

Foster’s first five-wicket haul for just 32 runs helped Droitwich Thirds to a 52-run win at Pedmore.

Ash Walton continued his impressive season with an unbeaten 81 and captain Steve Perry scored 50 as Spa claimed top spot in their league.

Unfortunately Droitwich Firsts fared less well in their clash with Pedmore as they failed to push home a couple of advantageous situations to slump to a five-wicket defeat.

Despite several rain interruptions, brothers Jake and Max Young, who scored 49 and 91 respectively, had but Spa in the box seat to post a challenging score.

However from 140-1, a string of unlucky decisions and over ambitious shots meant that the visitors could only score 201.

After dismissing the first two Pedmore batsmen with just 10 on the board, a mixture of aggressive batting and below par bowling and fielding saw Droitwich’s victory hopes quickly disappear as the home side cantered past their target.

Droitwich fourths battled well as a blend of youth and experience enabled them to notch their second win of the season against Worcester.

Will Hodges made 35 and claimed three wickets, whilst veteran Don Thompson picked up 4-13 in a wily five-over spell.