A CAPTAIN’S effort from Max Young has further ignited Droitwich Spa’s hopes of survival in Worcestershire County League Division One after a maximum-points victory away to Hagley.
Firing their way to 202-9, much in part to Young’s unbeaten 133, an equally impressive showing from Spa’s bowlers led to the hosts being dismissed for 149.
It means Droitwich have claimed successive victories for the first time this season, following a win against Coombs Wood the previous weekend, to put them within seven points of safety.
Batting first on a slow wicket, Spa made a composed start to reach 58-1, with Young leading by example from the off.
As with many of their matches this season, they were unable to provide support or accumulate many respectable totals outside of their talisman as they slipped to 100-5.
Fady Jadayel (4-56) was a constant threat throughout the innings, as he threatened to claim dismissals time and again, though his failure to skittle out Young ultimately provided decisive.
In reply, Spa bowler Phil Thomas (2-30) made two early dismissals to remove James Russell (8), who was trapped lbw, and Will Hymer (0).
Michael Stead (40) kept his Hagley side in the contest, despite having several of his teammates dismissed by Spa duo Martyn Davies (2-51) and Young (3-31).
Stead proved a stubborn customer to deal with, and when being aided by number seven James Elston (23), began to build real momentum for the hosts.
A change of bowler was a crucial moment in the encounter, as David Stephens (3-10) removed both batsmen in the space of an over, followed by another wicket in the form of Ian Moss (0).
Young finished off the job when dismissing Neil Hurst (0) lbw to clinch victory.
Spa will seek to continue their relegation battle with victory over third-placed Burghill & Tillington at St Peter’s Playing Fields on Saturday (1pm).
