Match Report
Avoncroft Sunday XI slipped to defeat against a strong Kays side in their friendly fixture at the Croft in what was Kays first visit to the club.
Croft won the toss and batted first, they immediately found themselves in difficulty at 5 for 2 after losing Jonty Heslop and Al Brunt. Max Jukes, again opening the batting, showed his potential ability with the bat with a hard fought 23 in a 45 run partnership with skipper Chris Pitt. Once Max fell George Warren came to the crease and in partnership with Chris put on 131 for the fourth wicket including a six from George that for a second week in a row broke a window on the pavilion. George eventually fell for a well made 61, Chris went on to reach his hundred and with Dan Elliott (26) struck some late boundaries to post 240 for 6 from their 40 overs, Chris finishing unbeaten on 113.
In reply Kays got off to a bad start losing a wicket in the first over bowled by Josh Cound. Josh took his second wicket with the score on 77, but despite Josh and Max Jukes bowling a tight opening spell Croft couldn’t stem the flow of runs or make further breakthroughs against a talented batting line up. A change of bowling saw Tim Davis make two quick breakthroughs to leave kays on 178 for 4 from 30 overs. Unfortunately Croft couldn’t find a further breakthrough and Kays reached their target from 35 overs thanks to a 32 run over being taken in the 34th over.
Croft can be proud of their efforts against a good Kays side who boasted a team of Saturday firsts and seconds, ultimately their batting line up proved too strong for a Croft side short on bowling options. Croft move on to their next fixture against Droitwich this weekend
Match Report by Christopher Pitt, 08/07/2017