DROITWICH face a must-win clash in their battle to escape relegation when they head to bottom side Bredon on Saturday (1pm).
A 89-run defeat to Burghill, Tillington and Weobley halted a run of two consecutive victories for Spa, who remain inside the relegation zone in Worcestershire County League Division One.
Fortunately for Spa, a defeat for relegation rivals Worcester Nomads against Colwall means that no ground was lost last weekend, with Max Young’s side still just seven points from safety with three matches left to play.
Electing to bat first last weekend, Burghill’s top order shifted into gear from the off, with Owen Morgan (53) and Whizz Ettinger (83) getting off to a bright start.
A slight lull in the visitors’ run rate was followed by a middle-order revival by Harry Sockett (28) and Ben Parkinson (30). They provided the runs to push Burghill over the 200-run mark as they finished on 232-8 from their 50 overs.
Captain Young (2-72) had the most success for Droitwich, though Phillip Thomas (1-28) was more economical during his eight overs.
Spa lost top-order duo Martyn Davies (7) and Matthew Gurr (6) cheaply in reply, but were able to rely on Young (35), who once again top-scored for his side.
He was supported well by Paul Bryan (28), but after the quickfire dismissals of the pairing, the hosts quickly crumbled.
Kieran Wilkins (26) and Jonathan Keen’s (11) efforts did at least earn Spa a batting bonus point – one that could prove vital in the end-of-season run-in – as Spa were all out for 143 in 44.1 overs.
Ben Parkinson (4-26) and Sam Williams (3-30) were the pick of the bowlers.
