A magnificent unbeaten 133 from captain Max Young led the 1sts to a vital 53-run victory at Hagley to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation very much alive. With four games left, Max’s men are now a healthy 34 points clear of bottom-placed Bredon, who were beaten by eight wickets by a Worcester Nomads side that are just seven points ahead of Spa.

Batting first on a very slow wicket, the visitors made a steady start and were well placed to post a big score when they reached 58-1 with Young well set.

Top order frailties appeared once again though and at 100-5, Spa’s hopes of reaching a competitive score rested with the skipper. He didn’t disappoint as he marshalled the lower order skilfully and then accelerated majestically, striking boundaries all round to guide Droitwich to 202-9 – his superb knock including eight fours and five sixes.

Phil Thomas took two early wickets in the reply and spinners Martyn Davies (2-51) and Young (3-31) chipped away at the middle order, but with home skipper Michael Stead playing well the game was still in the balance.

Stead found a useful ally in James Elston and, with 71 needed off 11 overs with five wickets left, the momentum was with Hagley.

Young threw the ball to spinner Dave Stephens and his decision proved to be a masterstroke as the veteran spinner removed both dangermen in his first over. He picked up another victim in his next over but fittingly it was Young who took the final wicket as the hosts were dismissed for 149 in the 45th over – Stephens finishing with 3-10 from three overs.

After winning two games in a row for the first time, Spa will be looking for a third when they entertain third-placed Burghill and Tillington.