EIGHT wickets from Tom Coulson proved the catalyst to Feckenham clinching their first Worcestershire League Division One victory of the campaign as they defeated hosts Droitwich by 64 runs.
A 24-point haul was the ideal way for the Millers to bounce back from their opening day defeat and leaves them in good spirits heading into Saturday’s trip to Worcester Taverners.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Feckenham made a fine start as opener Muhammad Idrees raced to 61 before falling to the impressive leg spin of Drotiwich captain Jake Young.
However, this started a collapse for the Millers and 91-2 quickly turned into 105-5 as Jamie Griffiths, Josh Stacey and Will Davies all fell cheaply.
It was only the tough resistance from the returning Daniel Bloomer (39) and all-rounder Matt Henning (33) which got Feckenham up to a competitive score of 180-9 from their 50 overs, which was disappointing after the start they had.
Droitwich spinners Martyn Davies (4-48) and Jake Young (3-43) were the pick of the bowling.
Feckenham took the ball knowing early wickets would be vital if they were to have any chance of getting something out of the game.
They did just that as Henning removed opener Ash Fearnall early but Feckenham’s fielding threatened to derail their chances as they twice put down Droitwich dangerman Max Young (30).
However, it turned into the Coulson show as the left-arm paceman, who required a runner in the first innings due to a back injury, ripped the hosts’ batting apart to finish with figures of 8-58 off his 15.1 overs.
This meant Droitwich had collapsed from 78-3 to 116 all out, leaving the visitors jubilant.
Feckenham 2nds continued their 100 per cent start to the Division One 2nd XI season with a five-wicket home victory over Harborne, who were dismissed for 163.
Matt Kings shone with the ball with figures of 4-41 and, despite the loss of two early wickets, resolute innings from Hugh Humphries (53), Kamran Riaz (36) and Nick Reddish (41no) managed to see the home side to victory on 164-5.
