DROITWICH SPA’s winning run was brought to an abrupt end with a four-wicket defeat to Worcestershire County League Division One league leaders Worcester Nomads.
Buoyed by three wins on the bounce, the home side made a promising start through returning skipper Martyn Davies (21) and the in-form Max Young (16) before both were dismissed in quick succession and were then quickly followed back to the pavilion by Jez Hanson (10).
At 39-3, veteran Paul Bryan and Jordan Renau set about re-building the innings and had added 60 runs by the end of the 25th over to put their side on course for a decent total.
However, a misjudgement of line from Renau saw the Aussie perish for 30 and his wicket resulted in a dramatic swing in proceedings.
As Nomads’ spinners began to strangle the game, the batsmen were forced into errors as they chased runs and a collapse ensued that saw Droitwich shot out for just 147 with Bryan top-scoring with 42.
With Nomads at 17-2 and with danger man Innocent Kaia (14) caught and bowled by Davies, Spa sensed they had a chance to inflict a shock before Oli Swift (39) and Richard Henry (35) settled the nerves and helped to guide their team home with more than 15 overs to spare.
Droitwich Seconds also ensured their respective Division Two Second XI league leaders Feckenham did not have it all their own way before eventually succumbing to a five-wicket defeat.
Chasing 173, the home side slipped to 137-5 as Chris Lester and Martin Woodward picked up two wickets apiece but they were unable to remove Feckenham captain Andy Kings, whose unbeaten 68 proved to be vital as his team took another step towards promotion.
The Thirds suffered an 85-run defeat at Old Elizabethans in Division Five where there were encouraging performances from the returning Carl Thomson, who took 2-27 and hit 40 and Dave Stevens who claimed 4-44.
In the reverse Division Five Second XI fixture, there was a much closer finish as Spa’s Fourths needed ten runs from the final over to chase down their opponents’ total of 212.
Tom Goss smashed the second ball for six but was unfortunately out to the fourth delivery for a swashbuckling 83 as Droitwich fell an agonising three runs short.
Other highlights included 46 from skipper Mark Osbourne and 3-14 off eight overs from Steve Perry.
With Oldswinford looking doomed, Droitwich Firsts are one of five sides which are separated by just 12 points and seemingly battling to avoid the last relegation place.
This Saturday, they travel to fellow strugglers Bewdley for an important clash while the Seconds host Harborne and the Thirds and Fourths meet Old Hill.
