AUSTRALIAN Jordan Renau made an immediate impact on his return to St Peter’s Fields with a stylish innings to get Jake Young’s reign as Droitwich captain off to a winning start.
Renau hit 87 as Droitwich defeated Halesowen by five wickets in the friendly fixture that got Spa’s new season underway.
Young won the toss and opted to field with Spa restricting the visitors to 207-6 in their 45 overs.
Halesowen’s opener Jamie Harris top scored with 65 while Connor Grant (2-20) and Carl Thomson (2-30) got a share of the wickets.
In reply, Droitwich reached 208-5 with three overs to spare.
The hosts’ innings got off to a poor start as they were quickly reduced to 28-2 with openings Martyn Davies (18) and Ash Fearnall (4) being sent for an early shower.
Then in came Renau who built partnerships with Max Young (11) and Jez Hanson (21) to push the score to 142-4.
Renau was then dismissed at 172-5 and it was left for Paul Bryan (26 no) and Connor Grant (24 no) to hit the winning runs.
Young will be hoping for a similar performance in the first Worcestershire County League Division One clash tomorrow (Saturday) when the Firsts travel to Worcester.
The Seconds, who were soundly beaten by two wickets in the reverse friendly with Halesowen, host Wormelow.
