AFTER a run glut in their first two Worcestershire County League Division Three fixtures, Droitwich Spa put the scoreboard into overdrive at the weekend thanks to Ash Fearnall’s sparkling century.
Spa rattled up 311-6 at third-from-bottom Pedmore on Saturday after being invited to bat first, with Fearnall showing off some impressive hitting in a stylish 124.
The youngster shared important stands of 90 and 121 with Max Young and Jez Hanson respectively – the latter notching a superb 83 not out after making a mad dash from De Montfort University in Leicester to help his side out following some late withdrawals.
Pedmore approached their daunting target positively and made a good start before Young made a crucial breakthrough.
Spinners Martyn Davies (3-77) and Jake Young (3-84) then picked up key wickets as the Pedmore reply floundered and eventually finished on 250-8 to give Droitwich the winning draw and a confidence boost ahead of their home clash with Redditch on Saturday.
The Seconds climbed to top of Division Two Second XI with a third successive win in an impressive 49-run victory over previous table-toppers Lye.
Veteran Martin Woodward claimed 3-36 from 17 overs, Karl Goddard grabbed 2-26 before succumbing to a hamstring injury while Carl Thomson wrapped things up with 3-6 from six overs as Lye were dismissed for 129.
Thomson had earlier struck an important 36 with the bat after Tom Gregory had justified his call-up with a solid knock of 48 in Spa’s innings of 178-8.
There were five ducks as the Thirds found Stourbridge’s pacy attack too hot to handle as they were shot out for just 99 in their pursuit of 226 in Division Five.
With an inexperienced team that included four debutants, the Fourths picked up a creditable losing draw at Stourbridge in Division Five Second XI.
Spa captain Peter Gurr picked up 4-30 and scored 45 in a total of 131-8 in reply to the home side’s 212-7.
This weekend the Seconds head to Netherton as they look to hold onto top spot while the Thirds and Fourths take on Enville.
