DROITWICH made a disappointing start to their Worcestershire League Division One campaign on Saturday when they were defeated at Pershore by 40 runs.

Pershore batted first and made a cautious start with Australian Kris Corbett and particularly Phil Thomas bowling a good length.

However the home side’s number three Liam Ridings began to take control so when Pershore had passed 100 with only several wickets down, a run chase looked to be on the cards for Spa despite the helpful bowling conditions and slow outfield.

However, Spa skipper Martyn Davies had held back his trump card, leg spinner Jake Young.

Despite having to grip a wet ball, Young bamboozled the opposition batsmen as wickets tumbled to see them bowled out in the last over for 146.

Young finished with 4-18, while medium pacers Max Young, Will Bury and debutant teenager Jack Sealey all contributed tidy spells.

Chasing down a revised target due to rain interruptions, Spa needed a good start in testing conditions, but Pershore seamer Tom Pilling had other ideas, picking up four wickets in his first seven overs leaving Droitwich 20-4 and with a mountain to climb.

Young was holding firm and accompanied by wicketkeeper Alex Kolb took the score to within 60 of victory before the latter was clean bowled for 20.

Young soon followed for a hard fought 34 – provoking a collapse which saw Droitwich bowled out for 98. This Saturday Spa entertain Worcester at St Peters Fields (1pm start).

The area’s other sides suffered a frustrating weekend as rain forced games off.

Barnt Green’s Birmingham Premier clash against Knowle and Dorridge was abandoned with the visitors 67-3. Green entertain Kenilworth Wardens on Saturday (noon start).

In Division One, Bromsgrove’s game against Moseley did not go ahead because of the heavy rain on Friday.

Bromsgrove travel to Harborne next weekend (noon start).

A ten week junior coach course at Bromsgrove starts on Wednesday, May 7.

The scheme has been taken over by TSR Coaching and is for boys and girls aged between six and 11-years-old.

The course is £30. For more information can send an email tyo tryscoringruns@hotmail.com Avoncroft lost to Stourport in Worcestershire Division Three on run rates. Croft had made 101-9 but in a rain affected match, Stourport replied with 87-0.