AVONCROFT were dealt a four wicket defeat from Ross on Wye in Worcester County League Division Three.

The result was really rough on Avoncroft skipper Craig Hughes, who led a rearguard recovery when cracking 89 not out.

Hughes hit 10 fours and five sixes in his boundary laden innings and put on 73 runs for the ninth wicket with Jovan Marcetic, but it wasn’t enough to save his side from defeat.

Avoncroft had recovered from 130 for eight at one stage to reach 231 all out but Hughes admitted: “It was probably still 30 to 40 runs light on a good wicket with a short boundary.”

Ross reached their target in the 40th over on 235 for six after opening bat James Tiffen struck 82.

But Hughes revealed: “He was given not out after being caught behind from the first ball of the second over. The umpire apologised afterwards.

“Then I went and dropped a catch off him the very next over – so he was given two lives.

“Jon Hunter bowled very well to take two for 45 off 10 overs and remains the leading wicket taker in this division - but in truth, although Ross are a very good side, this is the sort of game we should be winning.”

Avoncroft host Old Vigornians this Saturday.