DAVID James earned double brownie points as Avoncroft gave themselves a big confidence boost in the Worcestershire County League Division Three with an eight-wicket win over Old Vigornians.

In his role as groundsman, James pulled out all the stops to make sure the game at their Hanbury Road home went ahead after three days of torrential rain.

He then produced a match-winning innings as he smashed an emphatic ton to seal a third win of the season.

Captain Craig Hughes said: “David was absolutely fantastic, without him we wouldn’t have been able to play on Saturday because the rain had been so bad.

“He was also in great form with the bat, he was in one of those moods when he hit everything over the boundary.

“It was a much-needed win and it will give us a big boost in confidence.

Vigornians won the toss and, to the surprise of the hosts, batted first as two of their players were running late.

The decision played into Croft’s hands as the bowlers made short work of Vig’s batting order, apart from Ahsan Fiaz who struck 48 runs.

But two wickets each for Jonathan Hunter, Dan Elliott and David James restricted the visitors to 144-8.

Despite the loss of Alex Brunt (2) and Sam Hughes (0) early on, James guided his side to victory with 102 not out, backed up by Will Sach.

Avoncroft are set to be without five players for Saturday’s clash at Rushwick (1pm start).