HALF-CENTURIES from Colwall’s Nick Panniers and Andrew Robertson condemned Droitwich Spa to a sixth-straight loss in Worcestershire County League Division One on Saturday.
Spa were unable to deal with the prolific Colwall batsmen, who helped their side set a 256-7 total, and struggled to match the same batting standards – finding themselves dismissed for 130 after 44 overs.
The hosts were made to regret the decision to put Colwall into bat after winning the toss, with opener Panniers hitting 52, while Robertson (62 not out), Nick Brown (26) and Ben Wheeler (28) added solid scores further down the batting line-up for the visitors.
Martyn Davies was a bright spark for Spa in the first innings, taking 2-17 to reduce the Colwall innings somewhat during his ten overs served, whilst Adam Keen was the only other bowler to take a couple of wickets with a 2-60 score.
It always appeared to be an uphill task to match the feats of the league leaders at the bat, as proved by the number of wickets lost at regular intervals.
Jack Eaton opened with 24, whilst Paul Bryan added a top score of 35 for his side before going for an lbw from Ben Febery’s delivery, but they were unable to find support from the majority of the middle order.
Luke Dalley took 3-33 for the visitors, helping Colwall record another victory and leave Droitwich with a seventh defeat of the season.
Spa’s second XI did not fare much better against Colwall Seconds in Division Five, losing by five wickets.
The result of the match was decided with four balls to spare, when Colwall beat Droitwich’s 211-9 total late on.
Joseph Goss (37), Kari Goddard (30) and Rhys John (28) impressed for the Seconds, who were aided by a mammoth 57 runs in extras en route to their final total.
Colwall’s W Bishop hit an unbeaten 69, and was supported by number seven Andrew Waters (51), to take the hosts to victory with their 213 score, despite Ajay Kumar and Taj Gino taking 3-36 and 2-33 respectively.
Droitwich Spa’s first XI will vie to earn their second win of the season on Saturday, when visiting fourth-placed Cookley, whilst the Seconds host league leaders Lye (both 1pm).
