DROITWICH Spa Firsts retained their Worcestershire County League Division One status with a comfortable seven-wicket win over Belbroughton – a result which relegated their opponents.
Needing only two points to confirm safety, Droitwich made relatively light work of their task as the visitors were dismissed for only 111 after winning the toss in the hope of a big score.
Max Young bagged three wickets, while captain Martyn Davies’ decision to open the bowling with his own left-arm spin was a masterstroke, as only 19 runs were scored from his 13 overs as Belbroughton toiled.
Only Will Pardoe posed significant resistance before the innings capitulated in the 38th over with a hat-trick from Spa off-spinner Craig Hunt.
Despite the loss of two early wickets, Max Young quickly dispelled any thoughts of a Belbroughton revival with some aggressive hitting.
His surprise dismissal for 40 brought together Carl Thomson (31 no) and Gary Cartwright (27 no), who both played some lovely shots as Droitwich secured victory and league safety in ninth place in only the 26th over.
The biggest individual score of the season was saved for the final day as Chris Lester smashed 163 as Droitwich Seconds clinched fifth spot in Division Two Second XI with a 63-run win at Bromyard.
Having joined as a bowler earlier in the campaign, Lester staked his claim for an all-rounder berth next summer with a buccaneering performance at number five as Spa posted 278-8.
Ash Walton then picked up 4-24 with his occasional left-arm spin as the Herefordshire side were shot out for 215 with eight overs remaining.
