A HUGE opening stand of 232 between David James and Andy Nicol helped Avoncroft to a 141 run victory over second placed Bartestree and Lugwardine in Worcestershire Division Three.

Avoncroft lost the toss and were asked to bat on a good looking wicket with a nice covering of grass. James got off to a flying start hitting a six in only the second over of the game and continued his attacking way to a superb 121 which included 19 fours and four sixes.

His opening partner quietly went about his business and was not to be outdone by James to finish with a score of 113 including 21 fours.

James was the first man out with the score on 232, this bought Sam Hughes to the wicket who continued the quick scoring with a quick fire 55 which included five fours and three sixes.

A few quick wickets fell while batsman were trying to keep the scoring rate going with Avoncroft finishing the 50 overs with an impressive 358-8.

Croft went looking for quick wickets and this was provided by Paul Athey (1-32) removing the opener in the early overs.

James kept it tight at the other end before the introduction of Daniel Elliott (2-31) into the attack bought around two quick wickets to move the game firmly into Avoncroft’s hands.

Spinners Ian Carpenter (1-53) and Craig Hughes (4-42) then removed the middle and lower order aided by two quick wickets from seamer Will Sach (2-25) to complete a fine all round performance in bowling out Bartestree for 217 in 39 overs to win by 141 runs and move within 26 points of the promotion places.

Avoncroft travel to third-place Chaddeseley Corbett on Saturday.

Corbett are keeping their title hopes alive after a five-wicket win over Ross on Wye.

  • l Chaddesley won the toss and opted to bat first and dismissed Ross for 174, with Shahed Zia (3-28), Ansar Mahmood (2-31) and David Perry (2-14) taking wickets.

Opening batsmen Asif Iqbal (31) and Tahseel Ahmadzal handed Corbett a fine start in reply, before the latter was dismissed by James Tiffen.

Hassan Aqbel was bowled by Daniel Barnard but Muhammad Sadiq top scored with 54 not out.

He steered Chaddesley to 175-5 in the 39th over.

The win means they are third in the table and are just 15 points behind leaders Alvechurch and Hopwood.

They face derby rivals Avoncroft on Saturday.

The seconds lost to Kidderminster Victoria thirds, who saw Bradley James score 154 runs as KVCC made 305-4.

Corbett were then dismissed for 162 in 39 overs.