Match Report
Avoncroft Sunday XI returned to winning ways in their league match against Stourbridge with a hard fought and disciplined victory. Croft won the toss and chose to bowl in damp and overcast conditions, hoping to make early inroads and then taking advantage of what was predicted to be the best of the weather in the late afternoon when batting.
Dan Elliott and Josh Cound started brightly with the new ball and Dan soon picked up two quick wickets with Josh taking one. Stourbridge rebuilt until the decisive period of their innings took place. Skipper Christopher Pitt and Ed Pugh bowled a superb spell in the middle overs taking three wickets each for just a combined total of 50 runs. Croft wrapped up the innings bowling Stourbridge out for 167.
In reply Croft started brightly in the sunshine with Al Brunt and Dan Elliott hitting some heavy blows at the top of the order however once Al fell Croft collapsed to 63 for 4 with Dan Elliott falling for 27 after a promising start. Still needing 105 to win Christopher Pitt and Josh Cound set about their task with a mixture of attacking shots and resolute defence. The pairs 97 run partnership was ended when Josh holed out on 51 but by this point the match was already won. Christopher Pitt hit the winning runs to end unbeaten on 46 at the close and seal a 5 wicket win.
Victory put Avoncroft back to joint top of the league and they look forward to next weeks league fixture against local rivals Bromsgrove. I would like to offer my personal thanks to Richard and Sam Brunt and Andy Wilkes who rearranged their plans and stepped up to play at the last minute.
Match Report by Christopher Pitt, 04/06/2017
