THE new season got off to a disappointing start for Droitwich Spa Cricket Club with a crushing eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Worcester.

Visitors Spa were blasted out for a meagre 54 with only outgoing captain Martyn Davies and bowler Phil Thomas reaching double figures.

The visitors had no answer to Andy Hill and Mohammad Adeel, who both picked up four wickets, although some poor shot selections certainly did not help the cause.

Despite losing opener Henry Lewis for a duck Worcester cantered to their target in just 12 overs to clinch an emphatic victory.

There was better news for Droitwich seconds and the Keen family in particular as they commenced their Division two fixtures with an exciting 10-run win against Wormelow.

Dad Martin Keen hit 65 as the home side scored 200-9 before sons Jonny and Adam were among the wickets — the latter on his second team debut at the age of 14 — as Wormelow came up short.

Veteran Martin Woodward grabbed 4-35 from 14 overs.

A combined thirds and fourths team also tasted victory with a 34-run friendly win against Bewdley with Tom Gregory and Mark Smith both scoring unbeaten half-centuries.

On Saturday the firsts host Feckenham at St Peter’s Fields and the seconds travel to Enville, whilst the thirds and fourths get their Division Five campaigns under way versus Barnt Green.