AVONCROFT prevailed by six wickets in a high-scoring thriller against visitors Ross-on-Wye in their final home match of the Worcestershire League Division Three season.
Having won the toss, Ross made a solid start on a belting batting pitch with an opening stand of 129 before C Hughes bowled opener Evans (36).
This bought in skipper Warwick who played well for 59 before an outstanding diving one-handed catch by Elliott at long off removed him off the bowling of Hughes (2-54).
Then into the attack came 13-year-old Max Jukes for his first spell in first team cricket and his first ball was cut to point to be caught by his father Pete Jukes.
He then took another wicket caught at cover in the same over to finish his first over for the first team with a double wicket maiden as he became Avoncroft’s youngest league wicket-taker.
Meanwhile, Tiffen continued at the other end before finally being removed by Athey for a brilliant 182. Two wickets from James in the final over meant Ross finished the 50 overs on 341-7.
Avoncroft’s reply got off to a rapid start with both openers passing 50 – S Hughes (54) and W Sach (54) – before three quickfire wickets brought C Hughes and D Elliott together with the score on 153-3 with lots to still do.
Hughes played more of the anchor role with Elliott showing his fine strokeplay, timing the ball sweetly to all parts of the ground.
Croft reached 343-4 in 47.5 overs with Hughes finishing with 89 not out and Elliott with 83 not out in an unbeaten partnership of 192 to finish a great game by two excellent sides.
Fourth placed Avoncroft end the season at Old Vigornians on Saturday.
