2nd XI vs Astwood Bank

Avoncroft 2^nd XI came away with their first win of the season in a high scoring game against Astwood Bank 4^th XI. The day started off well with the captain winning the toss and electing to bowl, the optimism soon changed as Croft were unable to make an early breakthrough and Astwood Bank made it to drinks with 130 runs on the board for no wickets lost.

Shortly after drinks Josh Cound got the breakthrough to dismiss the first opener for 93 after he was earlier dropped on 0 in the 4^th over. Croft then set about containing the opposition on what was a very good batting track and with some tight bowling by Liam Kehoe in particular who bowled his 6 over spell with figures of 1-21 which included 3 maidens in a row. As their innings drew to a close the batsman started taking more risks and Astwood Bank ended with a total of 267-6 from their 45 overs.

Croft set about the chase with intent shown at the top of the order by Jon Brunt who scored a quickfire 44 before being caught, at this point Kevin Prudhoe joined Jason Huxley and the two started what looked like a match winning partnership of 126 during which Jason reached his first ton of the season and making it two in two weeks from the openers. Shortly afterwards Kevin was dismissed LBW and another wicket fell shortly afterwards leaving Avoncroft requiring 51 runs from 9 overs. Jason Huxley and Josh Cound set about this task and with a flurry of boundaries leading to Avoncroft cruising over the line with 3 overs to spare with a final total of 268-3.

This is a first win for the 2^nd XI this season and a special thanks to the members of the 1^st XI who returned to the ground following their emphatic win over Astwood Bank 3^rd XI leading to a very exuberant crowd which helped us over the line and ensured the double was achieved over Astwood Bank this weekend.