DROITWICH started their Worcester County Board Under-15 (South) campaign with a comfortable 90-run victory against visiting Martley.
On a wicket offering good pace and bounce, Spa got off to a good start, but collapsed from 35-0 to 41-4.
Harry Ellesworth (15) and Joe Smith (16) steadied the innings and Luke Cooper hit 21 to take the home side to 115-9 off their 20 overs.
Ed Rose was the pick of the Martley bowlers with 3-21.
The Martley reply struggled initially against the pace and swing of Oliver Sankey and Cooper who were well supported by change bowlers Adam Keane and Nathan Lynott.
With Martley collapsing to 25-6, the 13th over was bowled by leg spinner Harry Staley.
Bowling with good flight and turn, Staley proceeded to pick up four wickets in five balls – including a hat-trick – as the visitors final seven batsmen all registered ducks.
Staley was well supported by wicketkeeper Joe Goss who took two smart stumpings.
Spa’s fielding was of a high standard and Arthur Carter was impressive in the covers.
Droitwich continue their league campaign on Wednesday when they entertain Worcester Nomads.
