DROITWICH continued their recent upturn in form with a deserved winning draw at home to league newcomers Harvington in Saturday’s Worcestershire Premier League clash.

After winning the toss, Harvington chose to field first on a belting wicket at St Peter’s Fields - a decision they probably rued at tea time as Droitwich amassed 273-6 off 50 overs thanks to contributions from all batsmen.

Some quickfire scoring between Max Young (65) and Connor Grant (37) provided the real impetus during the middle passage of play, which continued through to the culmination of the innings.

Phil Thomas hit a swashbuckling 33, with Paul Bryan finishing 45 not out as Spa smashed 46 off the last five overs.

In reply, the now established opening bowling partnership of Adam Crowle and Phil Thomas started well and reduced Harvington to 27-2 from nine overs.

Thomas again bowled with nagging accuracy, while the pacy Crowle’s decision to come off his long run up ensured he got some steepling bounce.

Captain Martyn Davies (4-41) looked to have put Spa in the box-seat but the visitors managed to cling on for a draw as they closed on 203-8.

Spa take on Pedmore away in the league on Saturday (1.30pm start).

Elsewhere on Saturday, the seconds fell just 17 runs short of their 260-run target at Cookley, where Kieran Wilkins hit 86 and Martin Keen made a half-century.

The thirds suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat to Cutnall Green.

With only one side fielded on Sunday, the seconds were able to call on some senior players for the trip to Pershore but a host of dropped catches proved costly as they suffered a 97-run defeat.

Some excellent running between the wickets saw the home side total a formidable 292-8 from their 40 overs, with two wickets apiece for Ralph Davis, Karl Thompson and Phil Thomas.

Despite Ash Fearnall (49) and Dave Huntbatch (27) taking 68 runs from the first eight overs before the fall of the first wicket, Spa quickly lost their tempo and wickets too.

Karl Thompson blazed an entertaining 39 and captain Simon Holliday chipped in with 29 but it was all in vain as Droitwich were dismissed for 195.