MALVERN captain Andy Croft lost the toss and was asked to bat first on what turned out to be an excellent batting surface.

MALVERN SUNDAY XI v WEST HAGLEY

After the dismissal of R Cullen, who was caught at mid-wicket off a short delivery, his brother A Cullen came to the crease to join D Sharpe (27). He played some nice shots all around the wicket before finally being run out for 72.

S Carter chipped away at the bowling for his 56no, ably assisted by D Cox (27) and R Francis (28no). Malvern reached 250-5 off their 40 overs. This was the third Sunday in a row that Malvern have scored over 200.

West Hagley went out to bat needing just over a run a ball. After the early dismissal of M Bowden (6) and J Fallows (18) off the bowling of M Mitchell, they were 2-22 off five overs. This bought S Bowden and T Bowden to the crease. These two put on 92 in 12 overs and after 22 overs West Hagley were well on their way at 126-2.

Malvern captain Croft bought himself on to bowl along with D Cox and these two slowed the run rate down. Croft had T Bowden caught at mid-wicket for 36 and the very next over bowled T Eastwood for nought. M Storey caught and bowled S Bowden for 45 and then West Hagley had little else to offer.

S Carter came on and took three quick wickets to mop up the tail and West Hagley were all out for 156 in the 36th over.

This is three wins out of three for Malvern on a Sunday.

Thanks to match sponsors Slant Design and Brookhire.

On Sunday Malvern play Cheltenham Saracens at home.